New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) are pleased to announce Adelaide Janiak from Port Washington, Nassau County, as the 2026 winner of the annual "Water Connects Us All" poster contest for middle school students. Fourteen student artists were recognized as winners out of more than 700 submissions from 23 schools across New York State. 

“The winning submission of the 2026 Water Connects Us All poster contest reminds us that our everyday actions can protect our watersheds from pollution and help conserve water,” Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “I join everyone at DEC in congratulating Adelaide and all the student poster contest participants for their creative submissions educating New Yorkers about the importance of clean water.” 
 
NYWEA Executive Director Khris Dodson said, “NYWEA is proud to take part in this poster contest with the DEC every year, and even more proud of all of the watershed champions we now have because of the involvement of the students and teachers who participated this year.” 
 
The annual poster contest encourages middle school students to learn about their role in protecting watersheds and how to conserve and safeguard our water resources, now and for future generations. The winning posters will be featured in DEC and NYWEA's 2027 annual calendar, with the top prize winner’s art featured on the cover.
 
Top Winner: Adelaide Janiak: 8th Grade, Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School, Port Washington, Nassau County (photo attached) 
 
2026 Poster Contest Winners: 

New York State teachers, schools, and clubs that wish to participate in the 2026 poster contest can visit DEC's website for more information.