Menifee Fourth Grader to be Honored by MWD for Artwork

A local fourth grader whose artwork teaches the importance of water conservation will be honored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Bianca Antuna, who attends Quail Valley Elementary School in Menifee, was one of 36 winners for the Metropolitan Water District art contest. Her artwork will be featured in MWD’s 2013 calendar. In addition, Bianca will be accompanied by her third grade teacher, Ana Moore, EMWD Education Specialist Malea Ortloff and her family at a recognition ceremony at the MWD headquarters in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The artwork was designed last school year, when Bianca was in third grade.

MWD member agencies hold contests each year and more than 12,000 students in the Eastern Municipal Water District service area participated during the 2011-12 school year.

As part of EMWD’s ongoing classroom education programs, elementary school students are
encouraged to take part in the contest, which focuses annually on conservation messages and the importance of being water wise.

“We are so proud of Bianca and all of our students,” EMWD Education Specialist Malea Ortloff
said. “Her artwork, like so many others we see every year, is an example of students truly
understanding the importance of conservation and helping to share that message.”

Bianca's artwork was one of five finalists from the EMWD program that was submitted to
Metropolitan. She was the only EMWD submission chosen for the 2013 calendar.

Bianca's entry depicted an ice cube taking a shower with the message to “Keep Showers Short.
Every Drop Counts.”

“I feel extremely happy that Bianca Antuna won this award,” Moore said. “She always worked
very hard in my class. Her work reflected a desire to be the best. Neatness and beauty were her personal touch. If any of my students deserved this award, it was Bianca. I know she will do well in life.”