Montgomery, AL – On November 12, 2024, the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery hosted the annual Alabama PALS (People Against A Littered State) Governor’s Awards, celebrating statewide leaders and organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship and litter control. Sponsored by Alabama PALS, the luncheon recognized outstanding groups, cities, counties, and individuals who have made significant contributions to litter prevention, recycling, local cleanup, environmental education, and volunteerism.
This year, Alabama PALS also presented scholarships to the state winners of the 2023-2024 Alabama Clean Campus Program. This program emphasizes litter education and recycling efforts in Alabama schools, cultivating environmental awareness among young people. Notable winners included Valley High School in Chambers County, which won first place in the Clean Campus Scrapbook category, followed by Bear Exploration Center and Parkside School in second and third place, respectively.
Among the honorees, Gadsden State Community College was celebrated with the Coca-Cola UNITED “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” Spring Cleanup Award for the second consecutive year. In a spirited cleanup project, Gadsden State students and faculty collected an impressive 7,950 pounds of litter from streets and public areas across Gadsden, Anniston, and Centre. The initiative engaged multiple campuses and student organizations, with the Student Government Association collecting the most litter, followed by the Lady Cardinals Volleyball Team and Men’s Tennis Team.
Lynn Patterson, Gadsden State’s director of Student Activities, expressed pride in the collective effort. “The amount of litter our students and employees removed during this project is a testament to their dedication and commitment to preserving our community’s natural beauty,” she said. Patterson added that the recognition serves as a reminder of what communities can achieve when they work together for a cleaner environment.
The event also recognized PALS Sustaining Sponsors for their commitment, including ALFA, Coca-Cola UNITED, Vulcan Materials Company, Honda, Alabama Farmer’s Cooperative, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Through their partnerships, Alabama PALS continues to support various cleanup programs, including Adopt-A-Mile, Alabama Coastal Cleanup, and statewide litter reduction initiatives.
The Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards not only highlighted the accomplishments of this year’s awardees but also reinforced Alabama’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
