Western awards more than $7,000 to local classrooms for water education

Western Municipal Water District (Western) has announced the recipients of this year’s Lois B. Krieger Water Project Grants for Educators program. The well-known program has attracted teachers from Riverside County for more than 20 years. Projects submitted came from K-12 teachers on various topics, with more than $7,000 awarded.

As teachers slowly transition back into in-classroom learning, adapting to new requirements can make teaching a challenge. The Krieger grants allow teachers to apply for funding resources that will help make the transition easier. The one key requirement is that funding is used to implement a water education lesson.

“Historically, teachers have used grant funding for their in-person lessons. Last year we saw a shift in requests for materials that could be used as part of a virtual lesson,” said Western’s General Manager, Craig Miller. “This year, we saw several requests for lessons surrounding outdoor irrigation and school gardens. Given we are in a drought and need our customers’ help to save as much water as possible, we love seeing this shift in lessons as most household water usage occurs outdoors.”

Judging of the grant applications was completed by water education specialists from Western’s service area. Teachers can apply for water-related project funding each fall, and monies are awarded in the winter. Projects must be completed by the end of the school year.

“Western’s top priority is to provide safe and reliable water, and we take pride in educating the next generation by supporting our local teachers,” added Miller. “We recognize the vital role that teachers play in influencing our children. One day, students in our service area will become voters, business owners, homeowners, and leaders; we want to be a part of encouraging students to take an interest in learning about our water resources.”

The Lois B. Krieger Water Project Grants for Educators program was named after Lois B. Krieger, a true pioneer in the water industry. Krieger served on the board of directors for Western Municipal Water District and The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) for 25 years. She was the first female chairman of the MWD board from 1989 to 1992. The grant bears her name due to her commitment to water education. Funding for the grants is provided by Western, in conjunction with neighboring water providers who bring water education to local classrooms.

The following teachers are recipients of the Lois B. Krieger Water Project Grants for Educators:

Kelly Alvarado | Outdoor Teaching
Murrieta Valley High School, Murrieta

Maricela Archer | Permaculture in our Community
Matthew Gage Middle School, Riverside

Patricia Ball | Water Sensory Exploration for Students with Disabilities
Victress Bower School, Corona

Natalee Boggs | Hydroponic Garden
Shivela Middle School/Murrieta Mesa High School, Murrieta

Elda Conaway | Rubner Children’s Garden
William Collier Elementary School, Wildomar

Donald Fitzgerald | The MVHS Greenhouse Climate Control Project
Murrieta Valley High School, Murrieta

Jennifer Hamm | Compost Garden
Railroad Canyon Elementary School, Lake Elsinore

Janice Lomnicky | Plant Habitat Study
E. Hale Curran Elementary School, Murrieta

Kevin Mobley | Green House Plants/Pumpkin Palace
Elsinore High School, Wildomar

Dinah Palagi | Grow Pedley
Pedley Elementary School, Jurupa Valley

Amy Sanchez | Why is water important to me?
Riverview Elementary School, Norco