On Wednesday, April 12, the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD/District) celebrated sixty-five local fifth grade students at the Fifth Grade Poster Contest Awards Ceremony. This year marked 34 years of hosting the poster contest which encourages students to use their creativity and learn about the importance and value of water. CVWD Board of Directors recognized the student artists, along with over 300 family members, teachers, school administrators, elected officials, and community partners during the awards ceremony which took place at the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
Highlights of the event included a red carpet experience, an art exhibit showcasing the Water is Life posters, special mascot appearances, including CVWD’s Willy the Water Ranger and Tremor, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes dinosaur mascot, and much more! All student artists were announced and presented with certificates of recognition from CVWD as well as certificates from Congresswoman Norma Torres, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senator Anthony Portantino, Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez-Reyes, San Bernardino County District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, and the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Additionally, student artists received a gift card to Barnes & Noble, a reusable water bottle, an art calendar, and other school materials that feature the student artwork. Shantelle Pai from Grapeland Elementary School was honored as the 2023 Poster Contest Sweepstakes Winner for her unique, three-dimensional artwork which demonstrated the importance of water.
When asked what inspired her poster, Shantelle focused on the importance of water in our daily lives as well as the plants and animals that need water to thrive. As the Sweepstakes Winner, Shantelle received an Apple iPad Mini, and her teacher, Mr. Edwards, received a personalized travel mug and Quakes baseball swag bag donated by the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
“CVWD congratulates all fifth grade artists for their inspiring Water is Life artwork,” stated President Randall Reed. “I’m so proud of these talented young artists who created masterpieces that depict the importance and value of water in our daily lives, and from now on will be our future ambassadors who value and appreciate life’s most precious natural resource, water!”
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, visit our Poster Contest webpage or call (909) 987-2591.