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Two student artists representing the Otay Water District are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2023 “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar. Photo: MWD student artwork

Otay Water District Calls On Student Artists for Contest Entries

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The Otay Water District calls on student artists in its service area to unleash their creativity in its annual Student Poster Contest. All students in district schools from kindergarten to 12th grade are invited to illustrate a new theme for the 2023 contest – “Being water wise is …”

Otay Water District’s annual educational program encourages students to create a poster demonstrating their water awareness. Water conservation or stewardship should be reflected in the artwork.

First place in 2022 in the high school category: Michael Armenion, eleventh grade, Otay Ranch High School. Photo: Otay Water District Otay Poster Contest

First place in 2022 in the high school category: Michael Armenion, eleventh grade, Otay Ranch High School. Photo: Otay Water District

Suggested examples include turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking short showers, protecting water from pollution, or collecting rainwater in buckets and reusing it to water plants.

“This year’s theme ‘Being water wise is…’ invites students to share the many ways they can use water efficiently inside and outside their homes or schools,” said Eileen Salmeron, communications assistant and poster contest coordinator for the Otay Water District.

“Because our region and the state have faced many droughts, it is vital that younger generations start making water efficiency their way of life.”

Prizes Awarded In Three Categories

The contest features three categories: elementary, middle, and high school. First- and second-place winners from each category will win a $50-$75 gift card, certificate, art kit, and goodie bag. The District will also feature the winners in promotional materials and hold a recognition event at a monthly board meeting later this summer.

Selected posters will also be entered in a second contest held by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. MWD will select artwork to feature in its 2024 student art calendar.

First place, middle school: Khilee Haull, seventh grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Otay poster contest

First place, middle school: Khilee Haull, seventh grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

Two students from the Otay Water District have their artwork featured in the 2023 MWD calendar. Seventh grader Khilee Haull at Hillsdale Middle School won first place in the 2022 Otay Water District contest.

Second place, elementary school: Christian-Kealoha Rogacion, fifth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

Second place, elementary school: Christian-Kealoha Rogacion, fifth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

Fifth grader Christian-Kealoha Rogacion at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School won second place in the 2022 Otay WD elementary school category.

The deadline to enter Otay’s contest is Friday, June 2, 2023. Hard-copy or digital entries are eligible.

Participants must attend a school within the water district’s service area and follow the contest guidelines at otaywater.gov/poster-contest.

Winning students in the 2023 Helix Poster Contest were honored at the May Board of Directors meeting. Photo: Helix Water District student

Helix Water District Student Poster Contest Winners Highlight What “Being Water Wise Is”

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Ten talented student artists were honored for their winning work in the annual student poster contest at the May 17 Helix Water District board meeting. The students created their winning posters to visually depict the theme “Being Water Wise Is.”

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California holds the regional poster contest to increase student awareness about water. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students in local district schools are eligible to compete. This year, 453 students from 24 schools within the Helix Water District Service area submitted posters depicting how to use water wisely.

These students took top honors

Grades K – 4

First Place – Evelyn Racine, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3 Helix Water District student

First Place – Evelyn Racine, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3

Second Place – Awra Boubetana, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 4

Second Place – Awra Boubetana, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 4

Third Place – Katharina Theuer, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3 Helix Water District student

Third Place – Katharina Theuer, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3

Honorable Mention – Aletheia Moffit, Julian Charter School Manzanita, Grade 1 Helix Water District student

Honorable Mention – Aletheia Moffit, Julian Charter School Manzanita, Grade 1

Honorable Mention – Ava Bleiweiss, Fuerte Elementary, Grade 1

Honorable Mention – Ava Bleiweiss, Fuerte Elementary, Grade 1

Grades 5 – 8

First Place – Catalina Raquel Jones, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7 Helix Water District student

First Place – Catalina Raquel Jones, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Second Place – Heaton Grey Hadidian, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 8

Second Place – Heaton Grey Hadidian, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 8

 

Third Place – Audrey Robinson, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Third Place – Audrey Robinson, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Honorable Mention – Valerie Silva, Mount Vernon Elementary, Grade 5

Honorable Mention – Valerie Silva, Mount Vernon Elementary, Grade 5

Honorable Mention – Cameryn Kovar, Saint Martin of Tours Academy, Grade 7

Honorable Mention – Cameryn Kovar, Saint Martin of Tours Academy, Grade 7

Helix Water District student artists featured in regional calendars

All winning posters will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Water District to be considered for inclusion in its 2024 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.

First-place winner Catalina Jones in the Grades 5 – 8 category also won as a sixth grader in 2022, and her poster was included in the Metropolitan Water District 2023 regional calendar.

Helix Water District students were also selected for inclusion in the 2022 calendar, and in the 2021 calendar, in competition with all other regional winners.

This year’s winning posters are displayed on the Helix Water District website and Facebook page.

(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Otay Water District Logo

Otay Water District Announces New Theme for Annual Student Poster Contest

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Spring Valley, Calif. – Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to unleash their creativity in the Otay Water District’s annual Student Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “being water wise is…”

Otay’s annual educational program encourages students to create a poster demonstrating their water awareness. Water conservation or stewardship should be reflected in the artwork. Some examples include turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking short showers, protecting water from pollution, or collecting rainwater in buckets and reusing it to water plants.

“This year’s theme ‘being water wise is…’ invites students to share the many ways they can use water efficiently inside and outside their homes or schools,” said Eileen Salmeron, communications assistant and poster contest coordinator for the Otay Water District. “Because our region and the state has faced many droughts, it is vital that younger generations start making water efficiency their way of life.”

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Recognizes Winners of the Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest

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Encinitas, Calif. — At its May 17 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized the top three entries in the 2023 North County Water Agencies Water Awareness Poster Contest. Nearly 100 fourth graders who live or attend schools in OMWD’s service area participated in this year’s competition.

The recognized entries were submitted by Lillian Cook from El Camino Creek Elementary School, Leo W. from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, and Talia Elizabeth Abordo from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Lillian’s poster depicts her creative interpretation of a sunset on an ocean horizon. Leo’s poster featured an ocean wave cresting over planet Earth as it floats on the ocean, and Talia’s artwork showcases an otter holding a sign advocating to “save water, save one of us!” next to a smiling planet Earth.

“This contest is a wonderful way to showcase the creativity and talent of students throughout the communities OMWD serves,” said OMWD Board Vice President Matthew Hahn. “By highlighting the importance of water use efficiency,  elementary school children illustrate through their artwork the importance of protecting this finite natural resource.”

This year marks the 30th year of the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. The theme for this year’s contest was “Love Water, Save Water.” The contest teaches students the value of water as a limited resource and the importance of using it wisely, while providing OMWD with locally produced artwork to reinforce this message to its customers.

The recognized posters will be featured in a 2024 Water Awareness Calendar.

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Six Students Awarded Scholarships by Vista Irrigation District

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Vista Irrigation District has awarded college scholarships to six high school seniors and selected three fourth-grade students as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.

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Vista Irrigation District scholarship winners (left to right): Monica Lozada, Naia Riggenbach, Sarai Rojas, Samantha Harris, Colin Gastauer. (Not pictured: Riley Robbins) Photo: Vista Irrigation District. 2024 scholarship

Six Students Awarded Scholarships by Vista Irrigation District

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Vista Irrigation District has awarded college scholarships to six high school seniors and selected three fourth-grade students as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.

The annual contest is open to high school seniors living or attending school within the Vista Irrigation District service area. The content is intended to increase the knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the region. The district received twelve applications this year.

Scholarships for students

Naia Riggenbach from Pacific Ridge High School and Riley Robbins from Rancho Buena Vista High School each received $2,000 scholarships as winners of the Vista Irrigation District 2023 scholarship contest. Monica Lozada from San Marcos High School and Colin Gastauer, Sarai Rojas and Samantha Harris all from Vista High School received $1,500 scholarships as runners-up in the District scholarship contest.

Fourth graders promote water conservation through art

First place poster winner by student Belinda Chacon. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

First place poster winner by student Belinda Chacon. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Grapevine Elementary School fourth-grade student Belinda Chacon received first place in the Vista Irrigation District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest.  She received a $100 award.

Second place poster winner by student Olivia Rye. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Second place poster winner by student Olivia Rye. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Olivia Rye from St. Francis School received a second-place award of $50.

Third place poster winner by student Caroline Noesgaard. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Third place poster winner by student Caroline Noesgaard. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Caroline Noesgaard from Casita Center placed third and received a $25 award.

The poster contest is open to all fourth-grade students at schools within the Vista Irrigation District service area. The contest’s goal is to promote an understanding of water issues.

This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”  The three winning posters were selected from 189 entries based upon their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design. The winning posters will appear in the 2024 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free at the district’s office starting in November 2023.

(Editor’s note: The Vista Irrigation District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Students Showcase Innovation in Water Technology

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Middle and high school students from San Diego and Imperial counties showcased their creativity and innovation in water technology at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair.

Winning students at the March event presented multi-faceted water technology designed for use in agriculture, water conservation, safety and treatment, creating solutions to some of the San Diego region’s most pressing water issues.

For decades, the San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair to inspire students to pursue water industry careers and experiment with sustainable water designs.

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A student at the science fair showcases her project board. Innovation-technology

Students Showcase Innovation in Water Technology

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Middle and high school students from San Diego and Imperial counties showcased their creativity and innovation in water technology at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair.

Winning students at the March event presented multi-faceted water technology designed for use in agriculture, water conservation, safety and treatment, creating solutions to some of the San Diego region’s most pressing water issues.

For decades, the San Diego County Water Authority has partnered with the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair to inspire students to pursue water industry careers and experiment with sustainable water designs.

High school students invent next-generation water technology

Kyle Tianshi and Sarah Gao tied for first place in the senior division for their development of water purifying technologies. Tianshi, an eleventh grader at The Cambridge School, focused on water pollutant identification through light scattering. Tianshi said the project used fluorescent emissions and lasers to detect microplastics in drinking water.

Gao’s work with wastewater treatment experimented with plant seeds as flocculants for water purification. A Canyon Crest Academy sophomore, Gao was also named an ISEF finalist for her work and will compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas in May.

Srija Sengupta from Westview High School took home the second-place senior award for her project, “Good on Land and Bad in Water: Effects of Fertilizer-Rich Runoff on Algal Growth.” Sengupta’s research tested the effects of fertilizer runoff in Dixon Lake and the subsequent impact on marine life, finding that phosphorous-rich fertilizers contributed the most to algae growth.

Middle school students ‘wow’ with work in water technology

In the junior division, Ryan Richardson was awarded first place for his automatic faucet invention. When tested, Richardson’s faucet was found to save more than 50% of water in a household of four, prioritizing water conservation. He is already pursuing a patent for his invention.

From Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, seventh graders Joaquin Revilla Harker and Tyler Rowe earned the second-place junior division title. Harker and Rowe’s research tested the growth capabilities of different water on grass, finding that gray water was the most suitable for growth, which can help conserve drinking water.

Caleb Raagas, who is also a seventh grader at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, was awarded the junior division’s third place award for his research on the effects of salinity levels on the production of hydroelectricity.

“This year’s winners all developed projects that address or could help solve a critical issue related to water, such as water quality, water supply management, and water purification,” said Sami Sweis, Engineer P.E. at the Water Authority. “Our industry needs bright young people like these students to use cutting-edge technology and innovation to help maintain safe and reliable water supplies for generations to come.”

Welcoming future environmental innovators

There are more than 2,800 professionals in the water and wastewater industry in San Diego County, who work hard to provide safe and reliable water supplies to the region. The Water Authority’s continued partnerships with the community work to guarantee a future of opportunity for students interested in being a part of this industry.

Eight Student Photographers Selected as Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest Winners

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Eight high school students were honored for their award-winning photographs in the annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest. The winners were selected from a group of 62 students from high schools across the South Bay within the Authority’s service area.

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Honorable Mention: "Ripples and Rocks," Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School

Eight Student Photographers Selected as Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest Winners

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Eight high school students were honored for their award-winning photographs in the annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest. The winners were selected from a group of 62 students from high schools across the South Bay within the Authority’s service area. Students submitted 148 entries in two categories, color, and black and white.

Winners were recognized at the April 26 Sweetwater Authority board meeting.

“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to seeing the entries and continued involvement from our local high school community,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We are continually amazed by the talent and photography skills of students in our service area, and we encourage residents to go to see the photos at the Bonita Museum and Historical Society.”

Color Category Winners

First Place: “Make A Splash,” Cristian Ramirez, Hilltop High School, Grade 12

First Place: “Make A Splash,” Cristian Ramirez, Hilltop High School, Grade 12

Second Place: “Life,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

Second Place: “Life,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

Third Place: “Hilltop Park Stream,” Daniel Hernandez, Chula Vista High School, Grade 9

Third Place: “Hilltop Park Stream,” Daniel Hernandez, Chula Vista High School, Grade 9

Honorable Mention: "A Stroke of Color," Andrea Covarrubias, Hilltop High School

Honorable Mention: “A Stroke of Color,” Andrea Covarrubias, Hilltop High School

First Place: “Make A Splash,” Cristian Ramirez, Hilltop High School, Grade 12

Honorable Mention: “Calaman-sea,” Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School

Honorable Mention: "Ripples and Rocks," Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School

Honorable Mention: “Ripples and Rocks,” Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School

Black & White Category Winners

First Place: “Match,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

First Place: “Match,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

Second Place: “Kick the Water,” Allison Reyes, Bonita Vista, High School, Grade 11

Second Place: “Kick the Water,” Allison Reyes, Bonita Vista, High School, Grade 11

Second Place: “Kick the Water,” Allison Reyes, Bonita Vista, High School, Grade 11 student photographers

Third Place: “Drops on Umbrella,” Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School, Grade 12

Honorable Mention: “Morning Dew," Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School

Honorable Mention: “Morning Dew,” Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School

Honorable Mention: "The Rose," Nicholas Gallegos, Hilltop High School student photographer

Honorable Mention: “The Rose,” Nicholas Gallegos, Hilltop High School

All the winning photos are displayed online, and at a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)