Pasadena Water and Power Recognizes Local Students for Creativity, Achievement, and Sustainability Efforts

(R-L) Adrianna Bäumle, 2026 First-Place Scholarship Winner, and Mildred Gonzalez, 2026 Second-Place Scholarship Winner (Photos – PWP)

Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has announced the winners of its 2026 “Being Water Wise Is…” Art Contest and annual STEM scholarship program, recognizing local students for their creativity, academic achievements, and commitment to sustainability.

By Rena Kurlander

Held annually in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), the “Being Water Wise Is…” Art Contest invites Pasadena students in grades K–12 to create artwork that encourages the community to conserve water and use this vital resource more wisely.

This year’s first-place art contest winner is Isabella B., a fifth-grade student at Pasadena Unified School District’s Daniel Webster Elementary School, for her artwork, Water Is a Necessity. Second place was awarded to Jonpatrick (Jordan) S., a third-grade student at the same school, for his piece, Water Is Part of Nature.

PWP also announced the winners of its 2026 STEM scholarship contest, which supports local students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As part of the application process, students submitted a video explaining how their interest in a STEM-related field could contribute to the utility industry, public service, or sustainability efforts, and how the scholarship would help them achieve their career goals.

Adrianna Bäumle of Blair High School earned first place. In her submission, she shared her passion for mechanical engineering and her goal of using problem-solving skills to help address climate change.

Second-place honors went to Mildred Gonzalez of John Muir High School Early College Magnet. Gonzalez plans to study business economics and finance and hopes to integrate environmental sustainability and ethics into STEM-focused business leadership.

Utility Trades Scholarship

In addition to the scholarship program, PWP continues to offer utility trades scholarships for Pasadena students planning to attend a vocational or technical school or community college with a focus on skilled utility trades during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The application deadline for the utility trades scholarship is Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026.

Isabella B., a fifth-grade at Daniel Webster Elementary School, won first place (Photo – WP)

Jonpatrick (Jordan) S., a third-grade student at Daniel Webster Elementary School, won second place (Photo – WP)