Department of Public Health Proudly Announces 12 Winners of "Responsible Pet Owner" School Art Contest

The competition was a resounding success, bringing in an incredible total of 725 drawings from students across 17 primary schools in Aruba!

Announced on August 31 by the Minister of Public Health and the Minister of Education, and officially launched by DVG on September 1, the contest aimed to teach children at an early age the importance of caring for and being responsible for their pets.

With boundless creativity, vivid colors, and imagination, the children demonstrated what it means to be a responsible pet owner—providing dogs and cats with food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and above all, lifelong love.

The 12 Winners

DVG warmly congratulates the 12 contest winners:

• Alessa Semeleer – Basisschool Prinses Amalia (4th Grade)
• Anne-Mary Pereira – Maria Goretti College (5th Grade)
• Jaiden Mathias Ayala Sigcha – Colegio Hilario Angela (2nd Grade)
• Jayda Heidweiller – Mon Plaisir School San Nicolas (1st Grade)
• Jeremiah Jacobs – Colegio San Jose (2nd Grade)
• Jobriel Lacle – Maria Goretti College (6th Grade)
• Juan Vicente Rodriguez Quintero – St. Franciscus College (1st Grade)
• Liana Geerman – Colegio San Jose (6th Grade)
• Mayaleah Rodriguez – Colegio Bon Bini (3rd Grade)
• Nathalia Becerra Pabon – Colegio Frere Bonifacius (3rd Grade)
• Scarlys Diaz Sanchez – Basisschool Prinses Amalia (4th Grade)
• Sofia Buunen – Basisschool Prinses Amalia (5th Grade)

Special Recognition

DVG extends special gratitude to the three schools with the highest participation:

• Colegio San Jose (103 drawings)
• Colegio Hilario Angela (79 drawings)
• Mon Plaisir School San Nicolas (75 drawings)

We also send a heartfelt thank-you to all 17 participating schools, principals, teachers, parents, and especially the children for their enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity. Your participation made this contest an overwhelming success!

Award Ceremony and a Big Surprise!

On Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM, the 12 winners will receive their prizes during a special ceremony at the Government Administration Building (Bestuurskantoor).

During the ceremony, DVG will also reveal the overall winner, whose drawing will be transformed into a mural on the future Centro di Rescate y Control (Rescue and Control Center). This artwork will serve as a lasting symbol of love, care, and responsibility toward animals on our island.

A Message for the Community

For DVG, the true success of this contest extends far beyond the 12 prizes. It is a vital opportunity to teach our children that a pet is not an object, but a living being deserving of care, protection, and love throughout its entire life.

We hope these 725 drawings represent 725 opportunities to inspire families and the broader community to prevent animal neglect and abuse in Aruba.
Be a responsible pet owner. Every act of responsibility saves lives!