Rancho Cucamonga – On Wednesday, June 24, the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD) went to creative lengths to recognize Dilini Nagahawatte, this year’s Fifth Grade Poster Contest Sweepstakes Winner from Floyd M. Stork Elementary School. CVWD coordinated a drive through visit to the Nagahawatte residence which included the district’s timeless, custom-built 1942 Ford Truck decorated with balloons and banners, accompanied by Board President, James V. Curatalo Jr. In addition, Dilini’s former fifth grade teacher and two-time sweepstakes winner, Mr. MacKenzie participated in the celebration. Dilini was accompanied by her parents as she received a certificate of recognition, a special Water is Life face mask, a personalized yard sign, a sketchbook, and the grand prize – an Apple iPad Mini.
Dilini’s artwork is one of 81 inspiring pieces of art that were submitted to CVWD’s contest in February. A record breaking 27 schools participated in the Fifth Grade Poster Contest this year, with over 1,000 students who submitted art. Only the top three posters from each school were entered into the contest, making it highly competitive to win the sweepstakes. Dilini’s artwork scored the highest among all five guest judges which included four high school students from Los Osos High School and Metropolitan Water District’s Admiral Splash. For 31 years, CVWD has hosted the Poster Contest and celebrated student artists and their families at a special awards ceremony; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony had to be canceled. Despite the given circumstances, the District pursued a different way to recognize all student artists during this unique time.
“Dilini, we are very impressed with your art skills, and your art does a great job depicting the theme, Water is Life!” commented President Curatalo. “Although this is a very different way of celebrating our student artists, we are thankful for the opportunity to have met you, your family, and Mr. MacKenzie, to recognize this significant accomplishment.”
For the remaining 80 student artists, CVWD has highlighted their creative artwork on social media and on the district’s website. Additionally, a certificate of recognition and giveaways will be delivered to each student artist for their commitment to learning about water through their participation in this contest. CVWD appreciates all of the teachers and school administrators who support the Fifth Grade Poster Contest every year. CVWD would like to specifically thank our education partners for their generous contributions, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water, which covered the costs of this year’s Poster Contest through the Community Partnering Program and grants.
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.