Heflin, AL — Over 100 seventh graders from Cleburne County Middle School stepped out of the classroom and into their community on a mission to clean up the environment as part of the statewide “Our Power, Our Planet” initiative. Armed with trash bags and a strong sense of purpose, the students collected over 2,400 pounds of litter across multiple locations in Cleburne County in a day-long effort that combined education, community service, and environmental stewardship.
The initiative was made possible through a partnership with North Alabama Trails & Recreation (NATR), the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), and a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation.
Students began their day at 8 a.m. by removing litter from their own school campus before boarding buses and heading to two river access points nearby. After several hours of hard work, the group reconvened at Cahulga Creek Park in Heflin for lunch and one final cleanup effort.
To make the event fun and engaging, the cleanup was organized into a friendly competition between the boys and girls. Each team collected more than 1,200 pounds of litter, with the boys narrowly taking the win thanks to a haul that included a discarded filing cabinet and eight tires.
“The kids are still talking about their outing and getting outdoors and experiencing all that our community has to offer,” Swafford added. “It is our responsibility and our privilege to keep it where we can all enjoy it.”
Beyond trash collection, students spent the day learning from environmental professionals. Volunteers from NATR and APSO shared insights on the importance of preserving natural spaces and the role community organizations and corporate partners play in maintaining a clean environment.
Christy Cochran, operations manager for NATR, praised the students for their energy and commitment.
“We at North Alabama Trails & Recreation were thrilled to partner with the Alabama Power Foundation to bring ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ to life with the enthusiastic participation of the 7th grade class at Cleburne County Middle School,” Cochran said. “This cleanup is a testament to the collective power we have to make a difference in our environment, and the dedication of these young people is truly inspiring.”
APSO Eastern Division President Julie Couch echoed those sentiments while working alongside students during the event.
“Getting students involved early makes a huge difference,” Couch said. “It teaches them to care about where they live and shows them that their actions matter. Volunteering gives them a sense of ownership and confidence they can create change, and I believe that is very important for our future generations.”
Additional support came from a variety of community partners, including the Cleburne County Key Club and Kiwanis Club, Coosa Valley RC&D Council, Wild Alabama, and the Cleburne County Soil and Water Conservation District.
With the success of this year’s cleanup, organizers and school officials hope to continue and expand the program, reinforcing the message that caring for the planet starts at home — and with the next generation.
