Sweetwater Authority Announces Winners of the 2026 High School Photo Contest
Winning photographs are on display at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
Chula Vista, CA – Seven local high school students were recognized for their award-winning photographs during the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Board Meeting on May 27.The winners were selected from 85 photo entries submitted by 78 studentsrepresenting high schools throughout the South Bay for the Authority’s annual HighSchool Photo Contest.
“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to the continued involvement and creativity of our local high school students,” said Board Chair Ditas Yamane. “We are continually impressed by the talent and photography skills of students throughout our service area and encourage the community to visit the exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.”
The following students received top honors:
Color Category:
- 1st Place: Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Francisco Damian, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Ryleigh Le, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10
- 3rd Place: Alexis Ardagna, Hilltop High School, Grade 9
Black & White Category:
- 1st Place: Josue Nunez, Hilltop High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Emilio Bayon, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
- 3rd Place: Andrea Roman, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 12
Two additional students received Honorable Mention awards for their outstanding submissions.
- Color Category: Yahaira Alvarado, Chula Vista High School, Grade 12
- Black & White Category: Mia Ramirez, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 11
The winning photographs are currently on display in a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center and can also be viewed online at www.sweetwater.org/photocontest.