16 winners were selected across four grade categories, with entries emphasizing solutions such as zero-emission transit, biking, electric vehicles and clean energy.
City officials and a local nonprofit have announced the winners of the 18th annual Sustainable Santa Monica Student Poster Contest, highlighting student perspectives on climate action and community resilience.
The contest, organized by the city and Sustainable Works, invited kindergarten through 12th grade students who live or attend school in Santa Monica to submit artwork centered on this year’s theme, “Reducing Emissions While Creating Resilient Communities.”
A total of 16 winners were selected across four grade categories, with entries emphasizing solutions such as zero-emission transit, biking, electric vehicles and clean energy.
“As one of the first cities in the nation to create a Sustainable City Plan, Santa Monica is deeply committed to doing our part for the planet while caring for our community,” said Ariana Vito, a senior sustainability analyst with the city. She added that this year’s submissions demonstrated a strong understanding of both climate challenges and potential solutions.
Organizers said the program reached more than 650 students through dozens of classroom and after-school presentations, generating about 400 poster submissions. Judges included representatives from the city and Sustainable Works.
Grand prize winners included Phoebe Kaiser of Grant Elementary School (K–2), Daenerys Smith of Grant Elementary School (3–5), Eloise Alexopoulos of John Adams Middle School (6–8) and Mia Patricio-Ramirez of Santa Monica High School (9–12).
All winners will be recognized at a ceremony May 13 at the Annenberg Community Beach House. Winning posters are currently on display at the Santa Monica Main Library through May 8 and will also be featured at the awards event, which is open to the public.
