GUSTINE — A Gustine elementary student is among 14 young artists from across the San Joaquin Valley whose work will appear in the 2026 Healthy Air Living Kids’ Calendar, an annual publication created by the Valley Air District to promote clean-air awareness.

Harper, a third-grader from Gustine, earned a spot in the calendar with the message, “Ride your bike or skateboard to school,” encouraging students to choose cleaner ways to get around. Harper’s artwork will be recognized during the Valley Air District Governing Board meeting on Dec. 18, where featured students from throughout the region will be honored simultaneously at district offices.

Now in its 29th year, the free bilingual wall calendar showcases colorful drawings and short messages created by Valley students from second through 12th grade. Each piece highlights simple actions families can take to reduce air pollution, from walking and biking to switching to electric equipment.

This year’s featured artists include students from Stockton, Visalia, Madera, Tracy, Clovis, Modesto, Bakersfield and Hanford. The cover artwork, titled “Let’s Keep Our Air Clean,” was created by 12th‑grader Natalia Owens of Stockton.

The calendar is widely distributed each year to schools, community groups, healthcare facilities, churches and nonprofits, and is available to individuals upon request while supplies last. The Valley Air District says the project is designed to inspire young people to think about air quality and to help families adopt habits that support a “Healthy Air Life.”

Calendars can be requested by emailing public.education@valleyair.org or by calling (559) 230‑6000. They are also available for pickup at district offices in Fresno, Modesto and Bakersfield.