Water Authority honors winning students in conservation art and essay contest

SAN DIEGO - Two Bonsall Elementary third graders were among 12 students from elementary schools across the county who received recognition for their winning entries in the Be Water Sm”ART” essay contest sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority and the San Diego County Office of Education. Heather Holder won second place and her classmate Connor Newton placed third.

More than 450 second through fifth grade students from 25 area schools entered the contest that asked them to write an essay and draw a picture answering the question, “What does being water smart mean to me?” Students received awards and prizes at a reception held May 6 at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

“We were overwhelmed at the students’ thoughtfulness and passion about water conservation that they conveyed through their essays and drawings,” said Elsa Saxod, Chair of the Water Authority Board’s Legislation, Conservation and Outreach Committee, and host for the award ceremony. “We want to thank the parents and teachers who encouraged these kids to enter. Instilling in our children an ethic to conserve and protect our precious water resources helps them grow into adults who will continue to be ‘water smart.’”

Three students from each grade level received an award certificate and prizes donated by Geppetto’s Toy Store, Boomers! and Atlantis Laser Tag. The winning art and essay entries can be viewed online at http://www.sdcwa.org/be-watersmart-essay-contest. A part of Water Awareness month, the winning entries will also be on display through the end of May in the lobby of the Water Authority’s headquarters at 4677 Overland Ave. in Kearny Mesa.