The South San Joaquin Irrigation District has selected the winners of its 7th annual water education awareness art contest, themed “Water Makes It Possible.”
The contest invited first through fifth grade students from across the district to showcase their creativity while highlighting the essential role water plays in everyday life.
This year’s contest received an enthusiastic response, with more than 120 student entries submitted.
Participants shared colorful and imaginative artwork illustrating how water supports agriculture, communities, and the environment.
The contest is part of SSJID’s ongoing commitment to educating young people about the importance of water resources and responsible stewardship.
The grand prize winner — Ripon Elementary School fifth grader Kadence J. will receive the unique honor of having their artwork featured on the tailgates of SSJID irrigation delivery trucks throughout the 2026 water season.
As such, it will bring student creativity directly into the community and celebrate the importance of water across the District’s service area.
2026 contest winners
First through third grade
*First Place: Anahat K., Stella Brockman Elementary, 2nd Grade
*Second Place: Asher D., Colony Oak Elementary, 2nd Grade
*Third Place: Miya Tala V., Nile Garden Elementary, 3rd Grade
Fourth and fifth grade
*First Place: Agam S. L., Shasta Elementary, 5th Grade
*Second Place: Emillia P., Colony Oak Elementary, 5th Grade
*Third Place: Tanisi J., Veritas Elementary, 4th Grade
Winners will receive gift cards in recognition of their creative efforts and dedication.
In addition, Colony Oak Elementary School will receive a $250 gift card to purchase art supplies for submitting the most entries.
“Our students continue to inspire us with their creativity and their understanding of how vital water is to our daily lives,” said SSJID Public and Government Relations Manager, Katie Patterson.
“With more than 120 entries this year, it’s clear that our younger generation is engaged and thinking about the importance of water in meaningful ways. Through this contest, we’re celebrating their talent while helping foster a deeper appreciation for the resources that sustain our farms, communities, and future.”
SSJID extends its appreciation to all participating students, teachers, and families who helped make this year’s contest a success.
By engaging students at an early age, the District aims to build lasting awareness of water’s value and the importance of protecting this critical resource.
The South San Joaquin Irrigation District was established in 1909 and is headquartered in Manteca.
SSJID provides agricultural irrigation water to approximately 50,000 acres surrounding Escalon, Ripon, and Manteca, and delivers wholesale drinking water to the cities of Manteca, Lathrop, and Tracy — indirectly serving more than 215,000 residents—and in the future, the city of Escalon.
SSJID, along with Oakdale Irrigation District, owns and operates the Tri-Dam Project, a series of storage reservoirs and electric generation facilities that produce zero-carbon hydropower in the Stanislaus River watershed
