Vista Irrigation District Names Art Contest and Scholarship Winners

The Vista Irrigation District recognized students from its communities for winning artwork in its annual poster contest, and awarded college scholarships to five deserving high school seniors.

Scholarship Winners Highlight Water Issues

Vista Irrigation District’s annual scholarship contest is open to high school seniors living within the district’s service area. Students must submit applications demonstrating their knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the district.

The winning applicants:

Rahel Chiwai, who attends Mission Charbel Vista High School, received the top $3,000 scholarship.

Rancho Buena Vista High School senior Taylor Sheridan received a $2,500 scholarship.

Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Stephanie Aguilar from Mission Vista High School, Kawai Chau from Rancho Buena Vista High School, and Yahir Landeros of Vista High School.

Student Share Water Conservation Messages Through Art

Vista Irrigation District staff selected work by three fourth-grade students from the local community as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.

The 2026 Student Water Awareness Poster Contest targets fourth-grade students. It is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.

This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”

The three winning posters were selected from 168 entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.

All three winners’ artwork will appear in the 2027 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available, free of charge, at the district’s office in November 2026.

Winning Poster Contest Entries

Charbel Merhi, a fourth-grade student from St. Francis of Assisi School, received first-place honors from the Vista Irrigation District for his entry in the 2026 Water Awareness Poster Contest. He received a $100 award.

Riley Semer, a fourth-grade student also from St. Francis of Assisi School, received second place and a $50 award.

Zoey Watts, a fourth-grader attending Empresa Elementary School, won third place and received a $25 award.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board.  The district provides water service to roughly 135,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.