Artwork by a Medea Creek Middle Schooler Selected to Appear in 2026 Metropolitan Water District Calendar

MWD delivers 1.5 billion gallons of water daily to 19 million people in Southern California. Earlier this year, it invited students across its six-county service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), to submit water conservation-themed artwork for its "Being Water Wise Is…" Student Art Calendar Contest. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a student from Oak Park has had their artwork featured in the calendar.

Micah and her f amily attended the TWSD October 27 board meeting, where TWSD board chair Leon Shapiro presented her with a certificate of recognition and a $100 gift card.

Micah was in 7^th grade when she created and submitted her artwork. "Micah's artwork was inspired by her love for nature and her desire to make a difference," says her mom, Anne Climaco-Aliling. "She believes that conserving water is something everyone can do to help the environment, and she wanted to share that message through her creativity."

Micah and her brother Marco have entered artwork three out of the four years that TWSD has been participating in the contest.

"The drawing I made represents that water is the lifeline of our planet," says Micah. "The Earth at the center of my drawing symbolizes how every drop counts-whether it's filling a bucket, sustaining plants, or giving life to fish in the water. The phrase 'Save Water, Save Life' means that conserving water protects all living things on Earth. When we use water wisely, we can ensure a cleaner, brighter, and healthier future."

Micah and her family are invited to a special event at Metropolitan's HQ in Los Angeles in December, where all the winning artists will be recognized.

The TWSD contest was open to youth living in Oak Park in three grade-level divisions: elementary (K-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12). All TWSD entries were submitted to MWD for consideration. Each year, MWD receives nearly 300 artwork submissions from more than 30 Southern California agencies. Only 36 are selected for the calendar.

"So many of our Oak Park students understand the importance of water conservation for the well-being of people and the planet," says TWSD Board Chair Shapiro. "It's a testament to our Oak Park teachers and parents."

All 20 Oak Park-area students who submitted entries received certificates of recognition from TWSD and from Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell, as well as a gift card. Many of the young artists attended the October 27 meeting.

"At Medea Creek, our teachers inspire students to use their voices and creativity to make a difference," says Gia Jantz, principal at Medea Creek Middle School. "As part of a Green Ribbon School District, caring for our planet and promoting sustainability are truly part of who we are."

Local submissions came from students in Brookside Elementary School, Medea Creek Middle School, Oak Hills Elementary School, Oak Park High School, Red Oak Elementary School and private school, Revo Academy.