The county Department of Water Supply selected the top artworks from nearly 500 posters Hawaii Island schoolchildren entered earlier this year in its 2nd annual Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest.
Public and private school students in grades K-5 were invited to enter the free contest promoting the theme “Conserve to Preserve.” Three DWS judges evaluated the posters based on originality, visual artistry and depiction of the contest theme.
The DWS thanks all the students and their teachers for showcasing the importance of conserving Hawaii Island’s finite supply of safe drinking water. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the typical in-person awards ceremony will not occur this year. Instead, recognitions were mailed to the winners and runners-up.
The top posters and other entries can be viewed under the “Community” tab on the department’s website at www.hawaiidws.org/.
Congratulations to the following young artists for their outstanding entries:
First grade
• First place: Ayano Noguchi, Waiakeawaena Elementary; teacher: Kahanu Nguyen.
• Second place: Maxine Santos, Waiakeawaena Elementary; teacher: Kahanu Nguyen.
Second grade
• First place: Zavier Timbresa, Keaau Elementary; teacher: Melissa Watanabe.
• Second place: Serenity Parks, Keaau Elementary; teacher: Crystal Motomura.
Third grade
• First place: Rylee Honda, Waiakea Elementary; teacher: Kathy Tsugawa.
• Second place: Quinnie Toloumu, Keaau Elementary; teacher: Kelly Yoshioka.
Fourth grade
• First place: Grant Madamba, Keaau Elementary; teacher: Lori Cabalar.
• Second place: Cole Aragaki, Waiakeawaena Elementary; teacher: Emma Chong.
Fifth grade
• First place: Kawehi Jouppi, Waiakeawaena Elementary; teachers: Tabbrie Machado and Naomi Calistro.
• Second place: Camryn Yamanaka, Waiakeawaena Elementary; teacher: Lane Matsuura.