For giving fourth-graders an unforgettable lesson in fighting litter, three Lawrence County elementary schools shared the PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award.

Blaine Elementary School, Fallsburg Elementary School and Louisa East Elementary School received plaques from PRIDE.

PRIDE also presented certificates of appreciation to all fourth-graders who participated in the project.

The award-winning project, called the “Cleanup Pinky Promise,” challenged fourth-grade students to pick up litter throughout April.

The students made a “pinky promise” to pick up one bag of litter near their homes each week for one month. PRIDE provided empty trash bags to the students, and they returned the litter-filled bags to their schools.

In one month, the students brought in 700 bags of trash.

“What a great way to make students aware that litter is a problem and that they have the power to solve the problem,” said PRIDE’s Brenda Sears. “Taking responsibility for the litter near their home was an eye-opening experience for the students, and their families, too. This was a life-long lesson in caring for the environment and serving the community.”

“I want to thank the students and their families, the faculty and staff of each school, and Mr. Paul Flowers, who spearheaded the project,” Sears added.

Flowers is the county’s PRIDE Environmental Education Liaison. He visits local elementary schools to lead fun, hands-on lessons through an environmental education outreach program sponsored by PRIDE and the Lawrence County Fiscal Court.

PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental cleanup and education efforts in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky.

The PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month program rewards creative, effective ways of promoting environment awareness and stewardship.

“We give awards to thank people and to showcase the great things going on in our region, so please contact us if you want to nominate a person, school, business or organization that is helping our environment or inspiring others to care for nature,” Sears said. “Our toll-free number is 888-577-4339, and our web site is www.kypride.org.”

Filed under: Education Project of the Month, News