Twelve 4^th grade students were recognized at the City of Escondido’s May 21^st City Council Meeting, three of whom were announced as this year’s 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners of the City’s annual 4^th grade Water Awareness Poster Contest. These three winners will have their artwork featured in the 2026 North County Water Agency Water Awareness Calendar.

The contest is a part of the City’s Water Science Education Program, which offers free presentations on a variety of water science topics to elementary school classrooms. Throughout the school year, City staff provide free water science presentations on a variety of topics from the water cycle to the water treatment process to elementary school students. The contest theme “Love Water, Save Water” invites 4^th grade students to consider what they’ve learned about water and to illustrate the value of our water resources.

City staff reviewed nearly 100 entries, which depicted messages of pollution prevention and water conservation. Posters were judged on artistic skill, creativity, and representation of the theme.

3^rd Place: Haley Hone, Grace Christian School, Mrs. Arnold’s class

2^nd Place: Citlali Gutierrez, Lincoln Elementary School, Ms. Schaffer’s class

1^st Place: Milan Galiano, Heritage Elementary, Mrs. Miller’s class

All twelve finalist posters, along with information about rebates and other resources for water conservation, can be viewed on the City’s Environmental Programs webpage.