Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College was recognized by Coca-Cola UNITED during the annual Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards Ceremony for its participation in the Don’t Drop It on Alabama project.
The college was honored on November 12 at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club in Montgomery. This marks the third consecutive year Gadsden State has received the statewide recognition.
“The collective effort to remove litter from our surrounding communities reflects our commitment to stewardship, responsibility, and the preservation of a cleaner, healthier environment for all,” said Lynn Patterson, director of Student Activities at Gadsden State.
As part of the Don’t Drop It on Alabama initiative, student groups competed in cleanup efforts across Gadsden, Anniston, and Centre, collecting a total of 689 bags of trash from streets and public common areas. Students from all five Gadsden State campuses participated. The effort earned the college a $1,000 prize.
Joining Patterson during the presentation by Gov. Kay Ivey were Andy Green, dean of Student Services; Athletic Director Blake Lewis; Clerk Stacie Tucker; and Misti Morgan, administrative assistant to the dean of Student Services.
“This award is not just a recognition of our efforts but a reminder of what we can accomplish together when we work toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all,” Patterson said.
The cleanup project was structured as a competition among student organizations. The PTK Honor Society earned first place, followed by the Cardinals Baseball Team in second and the Student Government Association in third. Each group received medals for their participation.
Coca-Cola UNITED is a longtime partner of Alabama PALS, a statewide organization focused on reducing litter and improving environmental stewardship across Alabama. Through education initiatives and annual anti-litter campaigns, Alabama PALS works with counties, cities, schools, and community organizations to prevent littering and promote cleanup efforts statewide.
