2026 Water Art Invitational
One Water
Student Artwork Shines at 2026 Water Art Invitational
On Wednesday, March 18, Prince William Water recognized 26 local high school students during the 2026 Water Art Invitational Awards Ceremony. Hosted at Unity Reed High School, the event was attended by student artists, their families, teachers and event sponsors.
Attendees gathered to view the 176 entries from high school students across Prince William County and the City of Manassas Park. These students depicted the theme "One Water" using different media - painting/drawing, computer graphics and photography. The theme emphasized the connection between water and life; no matter who we are, where we live or what we do, water connects us all.
Anika Balaji of Colgan High School earned the Joyce P. Eagles Grand Prize for her vibrant depiction of the waters of India. Her family’s connection and deep cultural roots brought this exceptional piece to life in the eyes of the judges and ceremony attendees.
Winning students and their teachers received cash prizes, courtesy of the event sponsors. Each winning piece of art will be framed and displayed in Prince William Water facilities and featured in a Water Art Invitational wall calendar for 2027.
View the award-winning artwork in the online gallery.
2026 Water Art Invitational Award Winners
Joyce P. Eagles Grand Prize Winner:
Anika Balaji, Colgan High School
Painting & Drawing:
- First Place: Kasen Pitts, Colgan High School
- Second Place: Taniah R. Green, Gainesville High School
- Third Place: Alyssa Komlos, Forest Park High School
Computer Graphics:
- First Place: Ayushna Subedi, Gainesville High School
- Second Place: Clara Nguyen, Unity Reed High School
- Third Place: Jadie Dunham, Battlefield High School
Photography:
- First Place: Bryann-Evita Montenegro Pablo, Forest Park High School
- Second Place: Lincoln Buer, Colgan High School
- Third Place: Tristin Huh, Forest Park High School
General Manager’s Awards:
- Naiya Alexander, Forest Park High School
- Nazir Gayles, Hylton High School
- Meg Gerbracht, Colgan High School
- Kenneth Fish, Battlefield
- Kylie Stice, Colgan High School
- Arwa Zinddine, Gar-Field High School
- Allie Huurman, Brentsville High School
- Abdiel Russel Kamgaing, Forest Park High School
- Daniela Cuadros, Manassas Park High School
- Jasmine Silvera-Rengifo, Woodbridge High School
- Kailyn Zaragoza, Patriot High School
- Samuel Diaz, Potomac High School
- Josue Aleman, Hylton High School
- Jadyn Gibbs, Gar-Field High School
- Odette Curtis, Colgan High School
- Caroline Drunasky, Woodbridge High School
For questions or additional information, email outreach@pwwater.org