SSJID Announces Winners of Seventh Annual Water Awareness Art Contest by South San Joaquin Irrigation District Apr 9, 2026 Member Submitted News MANTECA — The South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) is proud to announce the winners of its seventh annual water education awareness art contest, themed “Water Makes It Possible.” The contest invited first through fifth grade students from across the region 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 will receive the unique honor of having their artwork featured on the tailgates of SSJID irrigation delivery trucks throughout the 2026 water season—bringing student creativity directly into the community and celebrating the importance of water across the District’s service area. 2026 Contest Winners Grand Prize Kadence J., Ripon Elementary, 5th Grade 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. To learn more about the Water Awareness Art Contest and view winning artwork, please visit: https://www.ssjid.gov/education/vehicle-wrap-art-contest/. About the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) The South San Joaquin Irrigation District was established in 1909 and is headquartered in Manteca, California. 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.
