A Panhandle school is recognized for its small effort to make a huge difference.
St. Agnes Academy took home first place in the national "drop-off" category for the first annual keep America beautiful "recycle - bowl."
Elementary students and staff collected more than 57,000 pounds of recyclables from October 17th through November 12th of last year.
The school competed against more than 1200 schools in 47 states to win a $1,000 prize.
Recycling coordinator Jenell Martinez says winning the contest will help shape environmental efforts in the community.
"It is something that pays forward from all involved starting with the youth all the way to our adults," Martinez said. "It's very important that we stop to think about the importance of making a difference in keeping our environment clean and it will follow through in years to come."
School leaders hope they can participate again next year and take home the title again.
