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Winning Artwork From 40 Orange County Students to be Displayed Throughout Region in 19th Annual Contest from Orlando Utilities Commission

Water Color Project

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week, the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC—The Reliable One) honored 40 Orange County students for their winning art designs promoting water conservation. Their artwork will now be displayed across the region through events and public displays, and in OUC’s annual conservation calendar.

The Water Color Project – now in its 19th year – teaches Central Florida’s 4th through 12th graders about being good stewards of our planet through water conservation, and tasks them with making artwork about the environment. The contest is divided into two different platforms: The Water Conservation Calendar for elementary school drawings and hand-painted rain barrels with eco-friendly themes from middle and high schoolers.

Every year, residents pick the winning designs through online polls. This year’s winners are:

Calendar:

  • Cover: Gabriel G., Stonewyck Elementary School
  • January: Amorah C., Aloma Elementary School
  • February: Uyen T., Arbor Ridge K8
  • March: Riley P., Arbor Ridge K8
  • April: Aria M., Arbor Ridge K8
  • May: Maria M., Bay Lake Elementary School
  • June: Blakely W., Blankner School
  • July: Bahia K., Bonneville Elementary School
  • August: Alice M., Endeavor Elementary School
  • September: Marcela C., Endeavor Elementary School
  • October: Leonardo O., Endeavor Elementary School
  • November: Katelyn S., Aloma Elementary School
  • December: Morgan B., Waterbridge Elementary School

Rain Barrels:

  • Best Rain Barrel Overall
    Acceleration East High: Aaliyah G., Nyla A., William D., Gabriel M., Yaldemar M.
  • Most Creative Rain Barrel
    Wedgefield K8: Gianna R., Ivelisse V., Jemma C., Mia O.
  • Best City of Orlando/Orange County Rain Barrel
    Lake Nona Middle School: Elise O., Jesus R., Jude M., Lillian R.
  • Best Florida Rain Barrel
    Freedom Middle School: Constanza F., Keira A., Tehya G., Thia K.
  • Best Water Conservation Rain Barrel
    Acceleration East High: Cristal C., Emily M., Jose M., Maryanis M., Noelia A.
  • CityArts Favorite Rain Barrel
    Bishop Moore High School: Azzurra O., Daniella G., Abigail S.
  • Social Media Favorite Rain Barrel
    Arbor Ridge K8: Mai Lyn P., Kaelean Ann P.

“More than 50,000 Orange County children have taken part in the Water Color Project since it began 19 years ago,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC Chief Customer and Marketing Officer. “Exploring multiple ways to protect natural resources at a young age, and inspiring others to do the same, is pivotal to building a life of sustainability for all of us in the years to come.”

OUC recognized the calendar and rain barrel winners during an awards banquet held at Orlando Family Stage on April 3.

Community members are invited to stop by Reliable Plaza in downtown Orlando to pick up an OUC Water Conservation Calendar for free while supplies last or visit CityArts at 39 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando or the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for UCF Celebrate the Arts through April 13 to see the rain barrels before having the opportunity to bid on a favorite when a public auction opens in May.

All rain barrels are entered into a silent auction. Between May – July, OUC employees, OCPS staff and the general public have the chance to bid on their favorite rain barrels. All proceeds raised in the auction directly benefit the respective school’s Visual Arts Department, with funds being divided among the winning schools’ art programs.

For more information about the Water Color Project, visit www.OUC.com/watercolor.

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About OUC—The Reliable One
For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting the Central Florida community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.