The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, has selected the top artworks from the nearly 150 posters Hawai‘i Island schoolchildren entered in the Department’s 3rd Annual Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest.
Public and private school students attending kindergarten through fifth grade were invited to compete in the free contest promoting the theme “Do Your Part, Be Water Smart.” 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 our island’s finite supply of safe drinking water. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the typical in-person award 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, www.hawaiidws.org.
Congratulations to the following young artists for their outstanding entries:
Kindergarten:
1st Place: Emma Raras 2nd Place: Kili‘ohu Kelau
School: Kea‘au Elementary School: Kua O Ka Lā New Century Public Charter School
Teacher: Rachele Laminman Teacher: Robbie McGrath
First Grade:
1st Place: Tylee Rapozo 2nd Place: No entries received
School: Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School
Teacher: Jacqueline Barsetti
Second Grade:
1st Place: Meili O’Loughlin 2nd Place: Makana Kauhi
School: Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School School: Chiefess Kapi‘olani Elementary
Teacher: Georgianne Lawson Teacher: Sherrilyn Sampaia
Third Grade:
1st Place: Nevaeh Kaipo 2nd Place: Lindsey Gomez
School: Kaūmana Elementary School: Waiākea Elementary
Teacher: Reyn Ojiri Teacher: Paige Nakano
Fourth Grade:
1st Place: Reese Makaimoku 2nd Place: Callesta Ryan
School: Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i School: Kanu o ka ‘Ǡina New Century Public Charter School
Teacher: Malia Andrus Teacher: Pua Mendonca
Fifth Grade:
1st Place: Basil Au 2nd Place: Fresalie Ramos
School: St. Joseph Elementary School: Kea‘au Elementary
Teacher: Rena Arima Teacher: Windy Berrigan-Sanchez