Media Corner

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2005

Local Student Honored for Creative Depiction of Water Use

Carson, CA - Fifth-grade student Kimberly Cuchilla from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in the City of Whittier was honored by the Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors as the winner of the District's "Water is Life" poster contest during its monthly board meeting on Monday, June 20, 2004. Cuchilla submitted the winning poster depicting the importance of water conservation on the environment and marine life.

Accompanied by her family, Cuchilla received the grand prize - a fully-loaded Apple iBook laptop computer. Her poster also will be included in the 2006 "Water is Life" Calendar, published by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) showcasing other winning entries. Her poster was chosen from a field of 116 posters.

"This poster contest is an important way that the District reaches out to the area's youth," said Central Basin Board President Robert Apodaca, who represents Division III, which includes Whittier. "It's important for them to recognize the significance water plays in our lives, and this is a fun way for them to use their creativity to promote water conservation to those around them."

Each year during the month of May, the Central Basin, in partnership with MWD, sponsors the poster contest in celebration of Water Awareness Month throughout California. Water Awareness Month encourages water conservation, recycling and water education. The theme for this year's poster contest was "Water is Life."

The contest was promoted to all primary and secondary schools throughout Central Basin's service area. Students were encouraged to depict wise use of water at home, school, industry or business, the environment, agriculture or recreation.

Pictured from left to right are President Robert Apodaca, Director Olga E. Gonzalez, sister Jessica Cuchilla, winner Kimberly Cuchilla, mother Juana Dominguez, Director Edward C. Vasquez, Director George Cole and Director Phillip D. Hawkins.