May 1, 2026 - Four Comal ISD art students from Canyon Lake High School and Smithson Valley High School received $10,000 collectively in scholarship money for their artwork depicting the importance of water conservation in the Texas Hill Country.
Sponsored by the Texas Water Company, which serves the Canyon Lake and Bulverde area, the Water Conservation Mural Art Contest was titled ‘Paint the Hill Country.’ Students were asked to submit their original work focusing on water conservation, the Texas Hill Country and the community in which they live.
“Conservation is not synonymous with drought,” says Aundrea Williams, president of Texas Water Company. “This contest is a way for us to connect with the community. We are excited to honor these young artists.”
The students are excited to see their pieces displayed on a retaining wall at one the Texas Water Company’s facilities later this summer. The wall is located on South Cranes Mill Road and visible to the public.
“I thought this was a great opportunity,” says Gianna Sheppard, a 10th grade student at SVHS who is one of the contest’s winners. “I love painting animals, and I like going to the Guadalupe River.” Sheppard’s piece depicts a young girl near a riverbank with a fawn and duck nearby.
For Miranda Mejorada, an 11th grade student at SVHS, whose work won as well, the contest was a way to contribute something to her community.
“I have a strong attachment to nature,” Mejorada says. Her watercolor landscape shows her appreciation for the world around her.
The two artists from CLHS who won the contest are Micah Key, an 11th grade student, and Savannah Cargill, a 12th grade student.
Key’s piece depicts a family walking through a field of bluebonnets next to a river with a caption saying, “Make every drop count.”
Cargill’s piece depicts a tower surrounded by lush green hills and vivid blue water.
Congratulations!
Photo descriptions
-Smithson Valley High School students Miranda Mejorada and Gianna Sheppard
-Canyon Lake High School students Micah Key and Savannah Cargill
-Pictured from left is Katasa Carson, senior manager of customer experience with TWC; Aundrea Williams, president of TWC; Miranda Mejorada; Gianna Sheppard and Suzanne Williams, conservation manager with TWC.
-Canyon Lake High School student Micah Key's winning artwork.
-Canyon Lake High School student Savannah Cargill's winning artwork.
-Smithson Valley High School student Gianna Sheppard's winning artwork.
-Smithson Valley High School student Miranda Mejorada's winning artwork.