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Four Rutherford County High Schools including homeschoolers participated in the fifth annual Keep Rutherford County Beautiful (KRCB) competition to see who could pick up the most litter. The goal of the competition is to remove litter from public spaces, roadsides, parking lots, parks, trails, and campuses, encouraging the next generation of environmental stewards.
The Litter Bowl ran from September 13-23, corresponding with the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) Fall Litter Sweep initiative. However, with the damage following Hurricane Helene on September 27, the end of the Litter Bowl and the typical trophy presentation that follows were impacted significantly.
In the aftermath of the hurricane it became evident how important the efforts of all who participated were. "We are so grateful for the work of students, teachers, and community members during the Litter Bowl," said KRCB Litter Committee Chair, Gabe Isaac. "Having the sweep before the hurricane ensured that over 4,000 pounds of litter were saved from ending up in our streets, parks, trails, rivers, and public spaces."
Evelyn Warner, the school representative for Lake Lure Classical Academy, expressed her thoughts following the hurricane's impacts. "Without the Litter Bowl, [our school] wouldn't have had an opportunity to walk Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure one more time before it was gone." Each school's dedication towards our county was evident throughout the Litter Bowl and the following recovery efforts.
The participating schools were East Rutherford High School, Homeschoolers of Rutherford County, Lake Lure Classical Academy, R-S Central High School, and Rutherford Early College High School.
"We were thrilled by the amount of student engagement and their excitement about participating," said Allie Houtz, KRCB staff member. "It was inspiring to see their energy and dedication to caring for our county."
Overall, students and community members collected 4,455 pounds of litter. In first place, East Rutherford High School, reigning '23 champions, took home the trophy for a second year with 1,695 pounds Rutherford Early College High School (REaCH) put up a fight with a total of 1,140 pounds. R-S Central High School took a close third place with 1,020 pounds.
Rutherford County residents were encouraged to join in and form litter pickup groups to show support for their favorite local high school while giving back to the community. The Town of Forest City picked up 1,515 pounds from Forest City's public spaces. Chimney Rock Management picked up 135 pounds from Chimney Rock Village. Artifacturing picked up 225 pounds from Forest City. Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority picked up 375 pounds from Coxe Road in Rutherfordton. Carolina Climber's Coalition picked up 75 pounds from Buffalo Creek Park in Lake Lure.
The school leaders Todd Whitley with East Rutherford High School, Heather Roof with Rutherford Early College High School, Andy Dorsey with RS Central High School, Evelyn Warner with Lake Lure Classical Academy, and Lacey Roach with Homeschoolers of Rutherford County all led excellent efforts with their students.
NCDOT donated bags and collected full bags from roadsides. KRCB Litter Committee volunteers George Moyer and Marian Moyer built supply kits with safety vests, gloves, bags, and pickers for each group. KRCB Committee member Clarke Poole led an assembly at Lake Lure Classical Academy to encourage students before Litter Bowl, and made a speech thanking East Rutherford High students at the trophy presentation. Jenna Bailey, former Executive Director of KRCB and current committee member, offered abundant support and guidance to Rutherford Outdoor Coalition staff as they transitioned to lead KRCB efforts, including Litter Bowl.
Each year the trophy is housed by the winning school, with their name and weight total added to a plaque on the base. The trophy was presented to East Rutherford High School by Keep Rutherford County Beautiful December 6 in a ceremony followed by a celebration with KRCB Committee Members, East High's Environmental Club, and the Town of Forest City. "Each one of you came together to accomplish an amazing and selfless effort," said Clark Poole, at the trophy presentation. "When I look at this group, I see a future mayor. A future doctor. A future sheriff. A future congresswoman. You are the future of our county, and we couldn't be more proud."
Although the Litter Bowl has come to a close, individuals can plan on participating in the upcoming Spring Litter Sweep in April 2025.
Keep Rutherford County Beautiful began as an Earth Day litter pickup and has transformed into a movement throughout Rutherford County. Neighbors, industry leaders, business owners, schools, and municipalities have joined to change the way we define community, leading programs and initiatives to propel Rutherford County's beautification forward by tackling the problems arising from our disposable economy. As of 2023, KRCB became an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, the nation's largest community improvement organization. This milestone is a testament to the work the organization has put in since 2017 and their progress.
For more information about KRCB, visit www.KeepRCNCBeautiful.org.
