Saddleback High School’s Nena Kellar wins first teacher drawing in Santa Ana’s annual Youth Water Poster Contest

Congratulations to Nena Kellar, a visual arts teacher at Saddleback High School and winner of the first teacher drawing in Santa Ana's annual Youth Water Poster Contest.

Ms. Kellar, who teaches Art 1, Art 2, drawing, and painting, is now in her seventh year of teaching. In her classroom, students develop technical skills and conceptual thinking, using art as a way to explore identity, community, and current issues.

Having brought the contest into her classroom before, Ms. Kellar said, "I appreciate this contest in particular because the theme feels timely and meaningful. I'm always looking for opportunities that connect the classroom to real-world topics, and this contest provides that bridge."

Reflecting on this year's theme, "Water is…," she said she hopes students will think about how essential and multifaceted water is-as a natural resource, a human right, and even a cultural symbol. She believes experiences like this help students build confidence in expressing their ideas creatively.

Each year, Santa Ana Water's Youth Water Poster Contest invites students to explore the importance of water through art and imagination. Two drawings for a $200 Art Supply Warehouse gift card are held for participating teachers to encourage classroom involvement.

For more information about the contest, visit santaanawater.org.