Two fifth grade students from Sedalia Middle School finished in the top three in the American Water Works Association Missouri Section’s and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ poster contest in recognition of Drinking Water Week.

The theme for 2026 was “Save It, Don’t Waste It!” and fifth graders from across Missouri used their artistic skills to demonstrate how essential tap water is to our daily lives. Sedalia Middle School had the second and third place finishers in the competition, which had more than 600 entries. Bela Antonova placed second in the competition, while Elijah Kondratyuk came in third. Coming in first was Elise Pose, of Clark Elementary School.

Governor Mike Kehoe has proclaimed May 3 through 9 as Drinking Water Week in Missouri, highlighting the important work water professionals do to provide safe drinking water to Missouri’s residents and visitors.