The county Department of Water Supply sponsored its first Water Conservation Poster Contest this year, inspiring Big Island keiki to artistically interpret the DWS motto: “Water, Our Most Precious Resource.” Students from grades K-5 were invited to submit entries on behalf of their elementary school until March 22 in celebration of World Water Day.
More than 200 entries were received from students islandwide. Posters were evaluated on originality, visual artistry and their ability to convey the contest theme (focusing on fresh drinking water). The judging panel included University of Hawaii at Hilo professor of art Michael Marshall, Hawaiian wildlife artist Richard Mortemore and DWS civil engineer Shari Uyeno.
DWS proudly announces the winners:
Kindergarten
– Christian Sawyer Zavodny, first place, Konawaena Elementary; teacher: Cheryl Tam.
– Leicy Acia, second place, Konawaena Elementary; teacher: Cheryl Tam.
First grade
– Abigail Cantor, first place, Kahakai Elementary; teacher: Tiare Hee.
– Cedar Terpening, second place, Waimea Country School; teacher: Amanda Rau.
Second grade
– Jazz Renauer, first place, Kanu o ka ‘Aina New Century Public Charter School; teachers: Kaylea Kaaihili and Auhea Ha‘o.
– Aaliyah Lagaret, second place, Kanu o ka ‘Aina New Century Public Charter School; teachers: Kaylea Kaaihili and Auhea Ha‘o.
Third grade
– Jace Walters, first place, Holualoa Elementary; teacher: Joy Paul.
– Samantha Eicher, second place, Holualoa Elementary; teacher: Joy Paul.
Fourth grade
– Kauahi Alapa‘i-Boyd, first place, Ke Kula ‘O Nawahīokalani‘opu‘u Iki Lab Public Charter School; teacher: Puamana Deal.
– Ryder Pedro, second place, Kahakai Elementary; teacher: Mrs. Kam.
Fifth grade
– Kanoa Shinn, first place, Konawaena Elementary; teacher: Melody Schott.
– Karlie Kahalioumi, second place, Konawaena Elementary; teacher: Melody Schott.
Winning entries, artists and sponsoring teachers were honored during the Water Board meeting in May. The winning posters will be displayed at the West Hawaii Civic Center and online, along with other entries, at www.hawaiidws.org.
The Department of Water Supply encourages keiki to “Be Wai Akamai” by continuing to incorporate water conservation practices into their daily lives.
For more information about water conservation, future events or to view all submitted poster entries, visit www.hawaiidws.org.
