Tag Archive for: Education

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

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

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.

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

Students Showcase Innovation in Water Technology

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

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.

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

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

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.) 

Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest Winners Announced

Chula Vista, Calif. – Eight local high school students were honored for their award-winning photographs at the Sweetwater Authority Board Meeting on April 26. The winners were selected from a group of 62 students from high schools across the South Bay who submitted 148 entries for the Authority’s High School Photo Contest.

“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 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.”

For the first time since 2020, the Women In Water Conference returns to Cuyamaca College on March 29. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Women in Water Conference Fosters Workforce Diversity

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl is the keynote speaker at the 2023 Women in Water Conference at Cuyamaca College Wednesday, March 29. This year’s theme is “Building Resilience In Post-Pandemic Times.” Kerl’s remarks will focus on the conference theme of building career resilience in a new post-pandemic work environment.

The conference starts at 11 a.m. followed by a reception and professional networking at The Water Conservation Garden from 5 to 7 p.m.

Conference topics include interview tips; advocating for needs in the workplace; working with diverse teams of differing personalities; and becoming a leader of influence and change. Participants can have a professional headshot taken at the start of the conference and visit exhibit booths featuring organizations from the industry.

This year’s conference is designed to help attendees realign their focus following several years of unprecedented challenges. The goal is to provide the tools and insights to help them navigate the new normal in the industry through both programming and career networking opportunities.

Conference topics address varied experience levels

Women In Water Conference attendees will have opportunities to network with water industry professionals. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The conference opens with a panel discussion about career opportunities for women in the water and wastewater industry.

Each of the afternoon’s breakout sessions offers three specific career level tracks to address needs at each level: entry level for individuals new to water industry careers; people looking for career advancement; and established professionals interested in honing their leadership skills and advocating for workforce diversity.

Lunch, refreshments, and parking are included in the $25 general fee. Registration is free for students. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Register here.

Wide range of career opportunities

City of Escondido Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Carrie Selby is among a growing number of women working in water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Carrie Selby is among a growing number of women working in water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: City of Escondido

The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.

Since 2017, the Water Authority’s “Faces of the Water Industry” campaign has highlighted nearly 200 employees in San Diego County across multiple water agencies and job types.

The informational campaign is designed to introduce the wide variety of career opportunities available at all skill levels with an emphasis on welcoming a wide-ranging talent pool of candidates including women.

Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in California earn an annual mean wage of more than $74,590, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2023 Scholarship Applications Open for Future Water Professionals

San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations will offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2023 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.

"Misty" by Bonita Vista High School Noah Kitcher sophomore was a winning entry in the 2022 Sweetwater Authority High School Student Photo Contest. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority 2023 Student Photo Contest Open

The 15th annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest is now open for entries. The contest showcases and celebrates how safe, reliable water service supports our daily lives through photography.

The theme for the 2023 contest is “Water In Daily Life.” Past winners have featured photos from landscapes to everyday household activities and using water to wildlife and pets.

1st Place: Ashley Monroy, Hilltop High School, Grade 12 – “Summer Day.” Photo: Sweetwater Authority

1st Place in the 2002 Color Category: Ashley Monroy, Hilltop High School, Grade 12 – “Summer Day.” Photo: Sweetwater Authority

“Water in Daily Life”

“Whether at home, outdoors, at school, or within our community, water is vital to everything we do,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “This contest offers students a chance to reflect on how water supports their lives and showcase that through their artistic talent. The Board is proud to continue this tradition of engaging with local students about the value of water, both through this contest and our other education programs and partnerships.

Winners will receive monetary prizes, have their artwork displayed at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, and receive recognition at a Sweetwater Authority Board meeting in May 2023.

Creativity, technical quality, visual appeal, and theme

Honorable Mention winners in the 2022 Color Category: (L) Skyler Yowakim, 9th Grade, Bonita Vista High School, “Stepping Into The Future;” (R) Sebastian Pimentel Lugo, 9th Grade, Sweetwater High School “Solin Bath.” Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The contest is open to students who live or attend school in the Sweetwater Authority service area.

The deadline to submit entries is 5 p.m. March 17. Photos must be taken in 2022 or 2023 within the Sweetwater River Watershed or the  Sweetwater Authority service area boundaries covering National City, Bonita, and western and central Chula Vista.

Photos may be in black and white or color. Entrants can submit up to three photos in each category. Students are permitted to edit the photos for minor adjustments only and must retain a natural, realistic appearance. Photos may not depict bottled water or the ocean or beach.

1st Place: Skyler Yowakim, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 9 – “Making A Wave.' Photo: Sweetwater Authority

1st Place in the 2022 Black and White category: Skyler Yowakim, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 9 – “Making A Wave.’ Photo: Sweetwater Authority

In addition, each photo must include a short essay of 50 to 100 words describing how the photo related to the contest theme. Judging will be performed by a panel of Sweetwater Authority staff and community experts. Judging criteria includes creativity, technical quality, adherence to the theme, visual appeal, and the narrative to explain the significance of the photo

Winners receive cash prizes: $400 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place. Sixty-five students submitted entries in last year’s competition. Full contest rules and submission information is available at www.sweetwater.org/photocontest. Submissions must be emailed to . Photos must be in JPEG form, 10 MB or less, and 300 PPI resolution. Photos must be sized to 8 x 10 inches.

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

Sweetwater Authority’s High School Photo Contest Encourages Creativity in Highlighting the Importance of Water

Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority is now accepting entries for its 2023 High School Photo Contest. Now in its 15th year,
the contest aims to showcase and celebrate through photography how safe, reliable water service supports everything we do.