Stone Ranch Elementary students win poster contest

Ellie Lee and Angel Lu, both Stone Ranch Elementary fourth graders in Wynne Love’s class, came in first and second place, respectively, during Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 24th annual “Be Water Smart” youth poster contest.

The third place award went to Ethan Huntington, a fourth grader at El Camino Creek Elementary in Carlsbad.

The students were among more than 50 fourth graders within the Olivenhain district who entered the competition. They were to draw images demonstrating the importance of water use efficiency in San Diego, utilizing the “Be Water Smart” theme.

Officials said the contest taught students the value of water as a limited resource and importance of using it efficiently, while providing Olivenhain locally-produced artwork to reinforce the message to its customers, including those in 4S Ranch.

The three posters will be featured in the water district’s 2017 water awareness calendar and on OMWD vehicles.

“Engaging today’s youth is an effective way to raise community awareness regarding the importance of using water more wisely,” said OMWD President Ed Sprague. “This contest not only gets each student thinking about how to be water smart, but will also help to inspire others to make water conservation a way of life.”

Ellie’s entry showed water-using devices and tips on how to reduce water. Angel’s featured a word collage comprised of water-saving tips, while Ethan’s depicted an anthropomorphic planet asking for help.

The children received their awards plus Target gift cards during Olivenhain’s May 25 board meeting. Olivenhain staff also visited their classrooms and gave each of their classmates a prize bag that included a beach ball, pen and pencils, said Brian Sodeman, OMWD education and conservation coordinator.