FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2025
2024 Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest Winners Announces
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville, the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA), and the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) partnered in their 11th annual "Imagine a Day without Water" campaign to educate and inspire the community about the value and importance of water. The goal of this campaign is to encourage water conservation in our everyday lives.
Imagine a Day without Water is a national education campaign and, locally, it raises public awareness through an art contest inviting youth from throughout the City and County to illustrate how “Water Works.” Judges from the City, ACSA, and RWSA evaluated the artwork for creativity, originality, and incorporation of the contest’s theme. Of the 530 poster entries received from youths in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, one winner was chosen from each of five grade divisions and one winner was also chosen for best photography. The top 75 entries were made available to the public for online viewing and voting of a favorite art entry. With 1,385 total online votes, a fan favorite was selected. All seven winners will receive a $200 gift card and a water conservation goodie bag.
The Winners of the 2025 Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest are:
- K-2nd Grade: Adam Zouari, Mountain View Elementary School, age 5
- 3rd-4th Grade: Anna Ramsay, Mountaintop Montessori, age 9
- 5th-6th Grade: Lydia Jones, Henley Middle School, age 11
- 7th-8th Grade: Ellie McWhorter, Village School, age 12
- 9th-12th Grade: Natalie Salazar Fraire, Charlottesville High School, age 14
- Best Photography: Jackson Reeve, Monticello High School, age 16
- Fan Favorite: Kinsleigh Breeden, Henley Middle School, age 11
Teachers were encouraged to promote student participation, and four teachers were rewarded for their efforts with a $200 gift card to be used for classroom projects: William Westen (Mountain View Elementary School), Holly Tucker (Tall Oaks Elementary School), Dustin Harris (Monticello High School), and Jessica Catlin (Albemarle Montessori).
“Water works hard for us every day, and this year’s art entries really showcased how hard water works”, said Emily Roach, ACSA’s Director of Human Resources and Administration. "It’s always inspiring to see students bring the contest theme to life. This year, they beautifully highlighted how water impacts their daily lives."
In addition to the art contest, the campaign provides awareness and useful information on how to conserve water. The City and ACSA offer rebates for installing WaterSense labeled toilets and rain barrels, as well as offer water saving devices available for pick up at their respective offices. Additionally, they stress the importance of finding and fixing leaks in homes, as even a small drip can waste 3,000 gallons of water each year.
For more information about the Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest including full contest rules and official entry form, visit www.charlottesville.gov/artcontest.
More background information about the Imagine a Day without Water campaign can be found here: http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org.
Media Contact
Jill Greiner
Water Efficiency Program Coordinator
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3877
greinerj@charlottesville.gov
2025 Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest Winners
K – 2nd Grade Winner: Adam Zouari, Mountain View Elementary School, Age 5
3rd – 4th Grade Winner: Anna Ramsay, Mountaintop Montessori, Age 9
5th – 6th Grade Winner: Lydia Jones, Henley Middle School, Age 11
7th – 8th Grade Winner: Ellie McWhorter, Village School, Age 12
9th – 12th Grade Winner: Natalia Salazar Fraire, Charlottesville High School, Age 14
Best Photography: Jackson Reeve, Monticello High School, Age 16
Fan Favorite Winner: Kinsleigh Breeden, Henley Middle School, Age 11