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Stormwater Smart Stencil Winners from left to right pictured with CC the Stormwater Trooper: Sage Plata, Cassondra Tillman and Jasmine Rodriguez |
High Desert high school students interested in art or environmental/ecological sciences were invited to participate in the Mojave River Watershed Group's Stormwater Smart Stencil Contest. In this competition, students submitted their own original designs that incorporated a "Don't Mess With Our Mojave" or "Pollution Free Mojave" theme.
Sage Plata, a junior at Hesperia High School and Cassondra Tillman, a sophomore at Apple Valley High School tied for first place. Jasmine Rodriguez, a senior at Hesperia High School won second place.
Plata's detailed design illustrated that pollution that enters the Mojave River Watershed negatively affects our drinking water. Tillman's stencil was a water droplet shaded with sunset colors to represent the desert environment with the message "Don't Mess With Our Mojave" to enforce the need to protect our watershed. Rodriguez used digital artwork to highlight the consequence of irresponsible bug spray use, which can seep into our watershed through the soil or stormwater runoff.
Plata and Tillman received matted and framed artwork donated by
CaliforniART, art supplies from
DeeDee's Hobby Emporium and a $300 cash prize from MRWG. Rodriguez received a $150 cash prize from MRWG and a gift card to DeeDee's Hobby Emporium.
In addition to these prizes, the first place winner's designs will be displayed near high pollution areas in the High Desert. All three designs are proudly displayed at five locations throughout the High Desert including: Apple Valley Town Hall, Apple Valley Unified School District, Mariposa Lodge, Spring Valley Lake Community Center, and the Victorville City Hall. Our public outreach team also presented these display boards to the City of Hesperia City Council and have an upcoming presentation with the Town of Apple Valley City Council on June 27.
Congratulations again to all of the winners! We hope their stormwater savvy artwork will encourage residents to be mindful of protecting the Mojave River Watershed from litter and pollution.