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Commissioner Sam Bradford recognized several students and schools for their hard work in the Alabama PALS (People Against A Littered State) during the Chambers County Commission meeting on Monday night. 

Chambers County got involved with the statewide organization four years ago through Bradford’s engagement. The county has won an award for its work from the AL-PALS for the past three years in a row. 

“It’s not so hard to get there. It’s hard to stay. Last year, we had four state winners. Valley High School has gotten the Clean School award and got the high school overall award, and got $500 last two years,” Bradford said. 

Many K-12 students have won awards and honorable mentions for their submissions to the Recycled Art Contest and the Poster contest over the past four years. 

“It is really about people, and the students are here because you gave them the opportunity and you bought in,” Bradford said to the other commissioners. “… It gives students an opportunity to express their skills. Some of the recycled art gets real creative.”

Two retired teachers, along with Carrie Wood, the director of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, judged the countywide submissions for the categories this year. The categories are the Clean School, K-3rd grade poster, 4th-6th grade poster and recycled art contests.

According to Bradford, the Chambers-Troup LLC, based in Shawmut, sponsored the program with $10,000 last year.

“But again, thank you to the commission for supporting this. Thanks to Chambers-Troup LLC, appreciate y’all being here today,” Bradford said. 

In November, the statewide winners will be recognized at a banquet. Until then, the winners recognized at the commission on Monday included: 

Clean School:

Bob Harding Shawmut Elementary School, K-3 winner ($50 award)

Fairfax Elementary School, 4th-6th winner ($50 award)

Valley High School, 7th-12th winner ($50 award)

Poster and Recycled Art:

Maxon White, 1st place K-3rd winner

Addie Moultrie, 1st place 4th-6th winner (tied)

Raelyn Thomas, 1st place 4th-6th winner (tied)

Micah Williams, 1st place 7-12th winner (partners)

Andrew Smith, 1st place 7-12th winner (partners)