GADSDEN, Ala.– Gadsden State Community College has been honored by Coca-Cola UNITED during the annual Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards Ceremony for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The recognition, presented on November 12 at Montgomery’s Wynlakes Golf & Country Club, celebrated the College’s Don’t Drop It on Alabama project. This marks the third consecutive year Gadsden State has received this statewide award.

“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.

The initiative engaged student groups in a competition to clean streets and public spaces in Gadsden, Anniston, and Centre, resulting in 689 bags of trash collected. Participants included students from all five of Gadsden State’s campuses. The College’s efforts earned a $1,000 prize.

Accompanying Patterson at the awards 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.

Patterson emphasized the project’s dual purpose of service and engagement. “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,” she said.

The cleanup competition recognized top-performing 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 and recognition for their contributions.

Coca-Cola UNITED is a longtime partner of Alabama PALS, a statewide initiative dedicated to reducing litter and beautifying the state through education, cleanup campaigns, and partnerships with schools, communities, and local organizations.