Santa Ana celebrates winners of 2026 Youth Water Poster Contest

The Santa Ana City Council recently recognized the winners of the 11th Annual Youth Water Poster Contest during a special awards ceremony held May 5 at Santa Ana City Hall.

This year's contest invited students to complete the phrase "Water is ________" through original artwork. More than 500 students from 37 participating schools submitted creative and thoughtful entries reflecting what water means in their lives, their community, and the environment.

Student responses described water as "a reflection of us," "a life source," and "love, sustenance, hope, life, community… what holds us through a lifetime."

"On behalf of the City Council, I am pleased to recognize 12 outstanding young artists whose creativity reminds us just how essential water is to our lives, our environment, and our community," Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. "Together, their posters show how Santa Ana's young people understand water not only as something we use, but as something that connects us, sustains us, and deserves our care."

Judges selected one grand prize winner and two finalists in each of four age categories based on originality, clarity of message, and connection to this year's theme.

The 2026 winners are:

Ages 5-8
Damian Ornelas, grand prize winner - Lincoln Elementary
Catalina Pena, 2nd place finalist - Lincoln Elementary
Roh Houlton, 3rd place finalist - Springs Charter

Ages 9-12
Luella Luna Reyes, grand prize winner - Taft Elementary
Melina Cedillo, 2nd place finalist - Lathrop Intermediate
Brianna Carmona, 3rd place finalist - Lathrop Intermediate

Ages 13-14
Ketzaly Lopez, grand prize winner - Saddleback High School
Alondra Rachel Bravo, 2nd place finalist - Gerald P. Carr Intermediate
Katherine Wences, 3rd place finalist - Villa Fundamental Intermediate School

Ages 15-18
Thy Do, grand prize winner - Bolsa Grande High School
Nayeli Luis-Martinez, 2nd place finalist - Middle College High School
Victoria Romero, 3rd place finalist - Segerstrom High School

The City thanks this year's judges, Alejandra Garcia, David Pursley, Victorino "Victor" Bermejo, and Tram Le, for their time and thoughtful review of the entries.

Winning posters will be featured in the City's annual Water Quality Report, available July 1.

To view the winning posters and learn more about the Youth Water Poster Contest, visit santaanawater.org.