Roan Elementary - Josiah Smith (left) and Oliver Gonzales pose with their certificates and prizes at Blue Ridge Elementary
Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful and Keep it Clean Dalton have announced the winners of the "Principal for a Day" program, a community initiative that encourages students to pick up litter in their community. The program was started in 2019 by Emery Silvers, an elementary student at the time, who was determined to get people around her to help clean up the community after her teacher showed the class the impacts of litter on animals.
The program awards the student who picks up the most litter in their school with the opportunity to be "Principal for a Day." The initiative has seen a great response over the years with many students embracing the project and having fun while picking up trash.
The program is an excellent opportunity to promote environmental awareness and community service among students with minimal in-classroom time.
Blue Ridge Elementary had their first tie in the program's history this year, with Josiah Smith and Oliver Gonzales each picking up 45 pounds of litter, totaling 90 pounds together. Roan Elementary School had the highest participation, with 14 students participating and cleaning up 249 pounds together. The winner of the program was Ana Amaro, a third-grade student from Roan Elementary, who picked up 185 pounds of litter by herself.
When asked about her experience, Ms. Amaro said, "It was a fun experience," and she was excited to reduce pollution and recycle at the convenience center. Jenesis Harrison, who also participated, said, "It was hard," but mentioned she was "happy to clean up for the community." Mr. Gonzales mentioned he found a lot of water bottles and plastic during his cleanup.
"We are thrilled to see so many students participate in the 'Principal for a Day' program and take the initiative to keep their community clean," said Amy Hartline, executive director of Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful, "We hope this program inspires others to take action and make a positive impact on the environment."
For more information about Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful, visit their website, keepdaltonwhitfieldbeautiful.org.
Students from Blue Ridge Elementary pose with their certificates and prizes. Picture, from left, are Ana Amaro (third), Daniela Leon (third), Emma Mendez (fifth), Carter Macon (fifth), Arianna Funes (fifth), Jenny Cervantes (fifth), Victoria Calderon (fifth), Gerardo Pena (first), Emerson Vasquez (fifth), Hector Castillo (fifth), Fernanda Villobos (third), Josslyn Ortiz (third), Joseline Cortez (third) and Jenesis Harrison (fifth)