Escondido honors water poster contest winners at annual awards ceremony

The Escondido City Council meeting on May 21, 2025, celebrated the creativity and environmental awareness of local fourth graders through the annual water poster contest. This year marked the 33rd iteration of the contest, themed "Love Water, Save Water," which aimed to educate students about the importance of water conservation and pollution prevention.

Kim Silva, representing the city's environmental program section, highlighted the contest's success, noting that nearly 100 entries were submitted. The top 12 winners were recognized for their artistic skills and creativity, with their posters set to be displayed at various city locations, including City Hall and the library. The three top winners will also be featured in the 2026 water awareness calendar, showcasing their work alongside other North County students.

In addition to the awards, Silva reminded attendees of the city's resources available to residents, such as workshops on sustainable landscaping and rebates for water-efficient appliances. These initiatives aim to further promote water conservation within the community.

The event concluded with the announcement of the winners, with Milan Galliano taking first place, followed by Fitlali Gutierrez in second, and Haley Hone in third. The celebration included a reception catered by local businesses, fostering community spirit and engagement.

This annual contest not only recognizes young talent but also reinforces the city's commitment to environmental education and sustainability, encouraging residents to take an active role in conserving water resources.