![thumbnail calm before tropical storm hillary aaron dsouza youth 300dpi](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20231004083826/thumbnail_calm-before-tropical-storm-hillary-aaron-dsouza-youth-300dpi-1024x683.png)
Helix Water District recently announced the winners of the 2023 Lake Jennings Photo Contest, with this year’s first place in the adult category going to photographer Billy Ortiz of Lakeside for his image “Reflection.”
Now in its 12th year, the contest drew 60 photos from photographers throughout San Diego County.
![thumbnail reflection billy ortiz 300dpi](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20231004084041/thumbnail_reflection-billy-ortiz-300dpi-300x144.jpeg)
![thumbnail cheylee gregory duck duck no goose 300dpi](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20231004084653/thumbnail_cheylee-gregory-duck-duck-no-goose-300dpi-300x200.jpeg)
![thumbnail debra colwell quail 1 300dpi](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20231004084530/thumbnail_debra-colwell-quail-1-300dpi-300x213.jpeg)
This year’s entries highlighted the unique beauty and experiences the lake offers. Submitted photographs included images of camping, fishing, hiking, wildlife and some of the spectacular views at Lake Jennings. The contest was open for photos taken between March 1 and Aug. 31.
The following photographers took top honors:
Adult Category:
First Place – Billy Ortiz; “Reflection”
![thumbnail bald eagle charles ham 300dpi](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20231004084357/thumbnail_bald-eagle-charles-ham-300dpi-300x204.jpeg)
Second Place – Charles Ham; “Bald Eagle”
Third Place – Debra Colwell; “Quail Enjoying the View”
Youth Category:
First Place – Aaron D’Souza; “Calm Before Tropical Storm Hillary” (pictured top)
Second Place – Chaylee Gregory; “Duck, Duck No Goose”
The district honored the winning photographers at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 27, during its board meeting.
The winning photos are also available on the company Facebook page at: facebook.com/helixwater.