What began as a response to a community need has grown into a yearly tradition centered around recycling, creativity, and environmental stewardship at Phoenix School in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.
Osprey Initiative first partnered with Phoenix School during the 2024 Mississippi River saltwater intrusion event with the support of Niagara Bottling, LLC through Niagara Cares and the Louisiana Recycling Coalition (LRC). During the intrusion event, bottled water distribution became necessary for many residents throughout the parish. To help recover and recycle those bottles, Osprey Initiative worked with partners to establish a community recycling drop-off location behind the school.
Following an overwhelmingly successful initial recycling drive, the school wanted to continue expanding its environmental efforts beyond the original project. Since then, Osprey Initiative has continued supporting Phoenix School through yearly recycling competitions held each April in celebration of Earth Month. Support for the project has continued through partnerships with Niagara Cares, LRC, and Osprey Initiative’s Give 5 program. Since the project began, Phoenix High School students and community members have collected more than 600 pounds of recyclable material, totaling over 13,000 individual items. The most commonly collected materials have been #1 PET plastic bottles, #2 HDPE containers, and aluminum cans, demonstrating the community’s continued commitment to diverting valuable recyclables from local waterways and landfills.
This year’s competition introduced a new creative challenge alongside the recycling collection efforts. Each grade level, pre-K through 8th, was tasked with creating and performing its own recycling jingle, encouraging students to think about environmental responsibility in a fun and engaging way.
On April 24, Osprey Initiative attended the school as an honorary guest judge for the competition and witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and creativity the students brought to the event. From daycare-aged students through eighth grade, each class performed original jingles focused on protecting the planet, recycling, and keeping their community clean. It was clear that every grade had put significant thought and effort into their performances and messages.
Two grade levels were selected as winners of the jingle competition: the 1st-grade class and the 4th-grade class, each earning an ice cream party for their hard work and creativity. Every participating class also received snowcones in recognition of their efforts.
The recycling collection portion of the competition continued through May 6, with final winners announced May 14. The winners were announced at the end of the pizza party provided by Niagara Cares and the Louisiana Recycling Coalition, along with the addition of a Buddy Bench for the school community in the Fall. This year, 1st grade took home the win!
What started as a way to recover recyclable bottles during a community crisis has evolved into something much larger: a long-term effort to encourage environmental stewardship among the next generation. Through creativity, collaboration, and community support, Phoenix School students are helping demonstrate that even small actions can make a meaningful impact on the environment around them.