Artwork by 13-year-old Aarush Mane, an 8th grader at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park, was selected by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to appear in its printed 2025 Water Calendar and digital library.
MWD, which provides water to 19 million people in Southern California, invited students across its service area, including those in the Triunfo Water & Sanitation District (TWSD), to submit water-themed artwork for the “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Calendar Contest earlier this year. This marks the third consecutive year that a student from Oak Park has had their artwork featured in the calendar.
Aarush was in 7th grade at the time of his submission. “My design was inspired by the need for water conservation in Southern California and the long journey water takes from natural sources to our taps,” explains Aarush. “The circle in the artwork’s center showcases the various methods to conserve water. Whether you turn off the water while brushing your teeth or fix leaks, every action matters.”
“Aarush has always been interested in the environment,” says Nutan Mane, Aarush’s mother. “At school, he has shared books and reports about the Colorado River and water conservation. His passion for the environment inspires us to be more mindful about conserving water.”
The contest was open to students in the Oak Park Unified School District and youth living in Oak Park in three grade-level divisions: elementary (K-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12). All TWSD entries were submitted to MWD for consideration. MWD received nearly 300 artwork submissions from more than 30 Southern California agencies. Only 36 were selected for the calendar.
Aarush and his family attended the TWSD October 28 board meeting where TWSD board chair James Wall presented him with a certificate of recognition and a $100 gift card.
“Aarush’s entry tells the story of the journey of water–from rivers and lakes to treatment, storage and finally use,” says Wall. “His design reminds us how precious water is and how we should all do our part to treat it with care.”
All Oak Park students who submitted entries will receive certificates of recognition and a $25 gift card. Submissions came from Brookside Elementary, Oak Hills Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, Medea Creek Middle School, Oak Park High School and Century Academy.