Talented High School Photographers Win Sweetwater Authority Photo Contest

Seven local high school students were recognized for their award-winning photographs during the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) May board meeting.

The winners were selected from 85 photo entries submitted by 78 students representing high schools throughout the South Bay for the Authority’s annual High School Photo Contest.

“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to the continued involvement and creativity of our local high school students,” said Board Chair Ditas Yamane.

Depicting Water In Daily Life

The High School Photo Contest challenges students to creatively showcase and celebrate the many ways water supports, sustains, and enhances our daily lives through photography.

The 2026 contest invited students to explore and express how water is present from essential uses to the subtle ways it shapes our environment and communities.

The winning photographs are currently on display in a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center and can also be viewed online at www.sweetwater.org/photocontest.

“We are continually impressed by the talent and photography skills of students throughout our service area and encourage the community to visit the exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.”

Winning Student Photos

Color Category:

• 1st Place: “Limas al Sol” by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

• 2nd Place: “Plant in Water” by Francisco Damian, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

• 2nd Place: “Splashing” by Ryleigh Le, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

• 3rd Place: “Morning Dew” by Alexis Ardagna, Hilltop High School, Grade 9

Black and White Category:

• 1st Place: “A Moment of Life” by Josue Nunez, Hilltop High School, Grade 11

• 2nd Place: “Wet Clover” by Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

• 3rd Place: “The Pour” by Andrea Roman, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 12

Two additional students received Honorable Mention awards for their outstanding submissions.

• Color Category: ” Life Across the Basin” by Yahaira Alvarado, Chula Vista High School, Grade 12\

• Black & White Category: “Game Time” by Mia Ramirez, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11

The 2026 contest invited students to explore and express how water is present in everyday life, from essential uses to the subtle ways it shapes our environment and communities. Photographers may enter their work in two categories: color photography and black-and-white photography.