Rancho Cucamonga – On Thursday, May 20, the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD/District) went to creative lengths to recognize not one, but two local student artists. Juana Perez-Carvajal from Alta Loma Elementary School and Madison Solomon from Victoria Groves Elementary School were selected as this year’s Fifth Grade Poster Contest Sweepstakes Winners. CVWD coordinated two special drive through visits to the Perez-Carvajal and Solomon residences which included the District’s timeless, custom-built 1942 Ford Truck decorated with custom art banners, accompanied by Board President, Randall James Reed. Both student artists were joined by their families as they received a certificate of recognition, a personalized Water is Life yard sign, and the grand prize – an Apple iPad Mini.
Juana and Madison’s artwork are two of 78 inspiring pieces of art that were submitted to CVWD’s contest in February. Dedicated teachers from 24 local elementary schools encouraged their fifth graders to participate in the Poster Contest this year, with over 1,000 students submitting art. Only the top-level posters from each school were entered into the contest, making it highly competitive to win the sweepstakes. Juana and Madison’s artwork scored the highest among guest judges which included students from Los Osos High School, and former two-time Sweepstakes Winning Teacher from Floyd M. Stork Elementary School, Mr. MacKenzie. In the final round of judging by the CVWD Board of Directors, both students received a tie score to determine two sweepstakes winners this year.
“I’m grateful and inspired by our two Poster Contest Sweepstakes Winners and their stellar artwork that depicts the theme Water is Life in two very unique ways,” commented President Reed. “Juana’s collage of numerous magazine clippings and the precise piecing of each clipping to create one visual and make it come to life is absolutely extraordinary, while Madison’s artistic talent is expressed in the bold, colorful, and detailed masterpiece which does a great job depicting the theme even without words!”
For 32 years, CVWD has hosted the Fifth Grade Poster Contest and has traditionally celebrated student artists and their families at a special in-person awards ceremony. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the District pursued a creative way to recognize the accomplishments of these student artists for the second year in a row.
For the remaining 76 student artists, CVWD has highlighted their inspiring artwork on social media and on the District’s website. Additionally, a certificate of recognition and giveaways were delivered to each student artist for their commitment to learning about water through their participation in this contest. CVWD appreciates all of the devoted teachers, school administrators, and caretakers who support the Fifth Grade Poster Contest every year. CVWD would like to specifically thank our education partner for their generous contributions, Edison International, which covered the expenses of this year’s poster contest.
To learn more about the Fifth Grade Poster Contest and all of CVWD’s education programs, please visit CVWDwater.com or call (909) 987-2591.
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