San Diego County Water Authority Honors Winning Students from Science Fair, Art and Essay Contest
May 10, 2012
The San Diego County Water Authority recently honored winners of two student competitions – the Greater San Diego Science and…
The San Diego County Water Authority recently honored winners of two student competitions – the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and the Be Water Sm“Art” Essay Contest for elementary school students.
Each year, more than 10,000 students from around the county in grades seven through 12 participate in the Science Fair. About 900 are selected to participate in final judging in Balboa Park, and the Water Authority reviews all water-related projects. Criteria for judging includes scientific methodology and inquiry, uniqueness, creativity, thoroughness and innovative thinking. Water Authority Board Chair Michael T. Hogan presented the winners with plaques and monetary awards at the Water Authority’s April 26 Board meeting.
This year’s science fair winners are:
Junior Division (Grades 6-8)
First Place
Mauricio Wulfovich, San Diego Jewish Academy in San Diego
Second Place
Ankita Nair, Marshall Middle School in San Diego
Third Place
Fernando Almada, Saint John of the Cross School in Lemon Grove
Senior Division (Grades 9-12)
First Place
Preetam Soundararajan, Francis Parker School in San Diego
Second Place
Ari Colton and Matan Kaminski, San Diego Jewish Academy in San Diego
Third Place
Darlene Montesano and Estiban Armijo, High Tech High in SanDiego
On May 5, the Water Authority honored the winners of its art and essay contest for elementary school students with a ceremony at Sea World for the students, their families and teachers. Contest participants wrote an essay on the topic “Being Water Smart is Cool Because…,” and submitted a drawing reflecting that same theme. More than 400 students from across the county entered the contest.
Elsa Saxod, Water Authority Board member and Chair of the Legislation, Conservation and Outreach Committee, presented winners with prizes donated by Geppetto’s Toy Stores, Boomers! family entertainment centers, the San Diego Zoo and Atlantis Laser Tag. Sea World also donated free entrance to the park for the day for the students, their families and their teachers.
The winners’ artwork and essays will be on display in the Water Authority lobby for the month of May. They also are posted on the Water Authority’s website at https://www.sdcwa.org/be-watersmart-essay-contest.
2nd Grade
First Place
Rei Harashima, Arroyo Vista Elementary in Chula Vista
Second Place
Brooklynn Spratley, Dehesa Elementary in El Cajon
Third Place
Jinyi Lu, Torrey Hills Elementary in Del Mar
3rd Grade
First Place
Croix Black, Hawthorne Elementary in San Diego
Second Place
Kate Ng, Hawthorne Elementary in San Diego
Third Place
Madelaine Giek, Francis Parker School in San Diego
4th Grade
First Place Bryn Howard, Hawthorne Elementary in San Diego
Second Place
Jack Pearce, Hawthorne Elementary in San Diego
Third Place
Lillian Robinson, Hawthorne Elementary in San Diego
5th Grade
First Place
Blake Gorham, South Oceanside Elementary in Oceanside
Second Place
Madie Walls, South Oceanside Elementary in Oceanside
Third Place
Alexa McGinnis, South Oceanside Elementary in Oceanside
6th Grade
First Place
Ethan Elisara, Julian Elementary in Julian
Second Place
Sophia Gilmore, St. Mary’s School in Escondido
Third Place
Elle Schneider, R. Roger Rowe Elementary in Rancho Santa Fe