Montemalaga Student Wins Grand Prize In West Basin Art Contest

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — A fourth-grade student from Palos Verdes Estates won the grand prize in this year's West Basin Municipal Water District Water is Life student art contest.

There were more than 900 entries in this year's contest, and Dagny from Montemalaga Elementary School was named the top winner for elementary school students for her hand-drawn piece depicting many marine animals and people enjoying nature.

“Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Water is Life student art contest! With more than 900 entries received, we are ecstatic about the record participation, as well as the incredible creative and artistic talent on display showcasing our need to use water wisely,” said West Basin Board President Scott Houston.

Along with Dagny, seventh-grade El Segundo Middle School student Dheekshana and 10th-grade Culver City High School student Ava won grand prizes in the art contest. Each winner received a new Apple iPad, a digital stylus pen and a $25 Apple Store gift card.

The artworks encourage and inspire Southern California residents to use water efficiently, officials said. The annual contest gives students the chance to showcase their artistic talents and share the importance of water conservation in their homes, schools and communities.

“While California was fortunate to receive an abundance of rain and snow this winter, it will take continued conservation, water use efficiency, and innovative water management practices to ensure we meet our state’s long-term water supply needs, and West Basin is committed to doing its part,” Houston said.

Winners of West Basin's local contest will advance to a regional competition for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and may be featured in the agency's 2024 calendar.