Local Student’s Water Conservation Artwork Wins Metropolitan Water District Calendar Cover Competition

A Pasadena high school student’s creative interpretation of water conservation will reach audiences across six Southern California counties after being selected as the cover artwork for Metropolitan Water District’s 2025 student art calendar.

Keira Lam, a ninth-grade student at Polytechnic School, earned the honor after her piece “Conserve Water for a Green Life/The Future is in Your Hands” won top prize in Pasadena Water and Power’s local art contest, standing out among dozens of submissions for its creativity and powerful message.

“We are thrilled that MWD has chosen Keira’s outstanding artwork to be featured on the cover of their 2025 calendar,” said Pasadena Water and Power Interim General Manager David Reyes. “Her creativity, unique interpretation of the theme, and dedication to the message of water conservation are truly inspiring, and we are so proud of her accomplishment. We hope other students will be inspired to join the art contest.”

The 2024 “Water is Life” competition, which draws entries from students across Metropolitan Water District’s member agencies, serves as part of Pasadena Water and Power’s broader initiative to engage community members, particularly students, in thinking critically about environmental issues and sustainability.

Participants from kindergarten through high school submitted artwork reflecting water conservation themes, with additional recognition going to second-place winner Olivia, grade 10, for “Creative Ways to Save Water” and third-place winner Magdalena, grade 8, for “Saving Water Every Day Saves a Life in Some Way.”

Pasadena Water and Power’s art contest aligns with the utility’s ongoing environmental education efforts, including The Ripple Effect campaign launched in 2024. The program encompasses community workshops on drought-resilient landscaping, partnerships with institutions like Arlington Garden, and educational events during Water Awareness Month in May.

Multiple winning artworks will be featured in Metropolitan Water District’s annual student art calendar, with winners recognized at a special event in early December. The calendar serves as a year-round educational tool for schools and families to discuss water issues while showcasing young artistic talent from across the region.