THE SHOALS-Keep the Shoals Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and a sponsored program of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce its grand prize winner for the #IKeeptheShoalsBeautiful Challenge. , a third grader from Brooks Elementary, was randomly selected to win an ultimate experience package of the Shoals as well as a pizza party for her class.
The #IKeeptheShoalsBeautiful Challenge for all Shoals area elementary students, K-6th grade, has gotten a lot of buzz lately. For ten weeks, students were randomly selected to win weekly prizes, based off their social media photos. Students were encouraged to snap a photo of themselves placing litter and/or recycled material in the appropriate bin, and upload that photo to Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter using the hashtag #IKeepTheShoalsBeautiful.
“The challenge had parents, teachers, and students motivated to recycle. Many were already doing this in their community, but the contest gave them an extra incentive to share their good works through social media,” said Keep the Shoals Beautiful Director Chelsea Kauchick.
Partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority, SCA Tissue, the Courier Journal, Kidsville News and 102.7 KISS FM, Keep the Shoals Beautiful surprised students and classrooms with prizes ranging from movie tickets, gift cards, breakfast events, and gift baskets.
“This contest encouraged positive behavior and social responsibility. We noticed when we surprised one student with a prize, his or her class were quick to post their own photos for our contest. We realized recycling was contagious, and we want to continue to be the voice for social sustainability in the Shoals,” said Keep the Shoals Board Member and Education Outreach Coordinator for the City of Florence Recycle Center, Rachel Mansell.
“I’m proud Kimber Leoni won our grand prize,” said Kauchick. “She was a dedicated participant in the contest and would post several photos each week of her recycling efforts. She’s a very deserving recipient.”
Kimber’s award package included vouchers for bowling, laser tag and the movies, as well as a three-hour limo ride, gift card to Target and a one-night stay at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. Keep the Shoals Beautiful also awarded Kimber’s class with a pizza party to further the idea that when one person does something good for their environment, everyone benefits.
