Earlier today, I had the chance to see what happens when competition meets purpose — and let’s just say, David T. Howard Middle School showed up.
The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, alongside Novelis, wrapped up the second annual Novelis Community Recycling Challenge, and the energy inside that school felt like playoff season. For four weeks, more than 1,000 students rolled up their sleeves and got serious about sustainability. When it was all counted, the sixth graders — 433 strong — claimed the title for the second straight year.
And they didn’t just edge out the competition. They earned it.
The entire student body collected nearly 800 pounds of recyclable materials and more than 3,000 aluminum cans. The sixth grade alone accounted for 428 pounds and 1,488 cans. That’s impact. That’s teamwork. That’s young leaders understanding that small actions stack up in a big way.
What I appreciated most? This wasn’t just about tossing cans into bins.
This year’s challenge pushed students to think beyond collection totals. Each grade created media projects documenting the recycling effort — shooting b-roll, conducting interviews, capturing behind-the-scenes moments. The top projects advanced to a final round judged by media professionals, and the winning team walked away with a special basketball experience courtesy of Novelis and the Hawks. Real-world skills. Real-world exposure. Real-world purpose.
The celebration matched the moment.
The trophy presentation kicked things off, but it quickly turned into a full-on wrap party. ATL Dancers, Hawks Flight Crew, a drumline, DJ Mo — the whole vibe felt like a Hawks game day. Even CanMan made an appearance. Students rotated through a photo booth, took part in basketball drills led by Hawks Basketball Academy coaches, and capped it off with Hawks and Novelis gear to remember the day.
But zoom out for a second.
Since 2021, the Hawks, State Farm Arena and Novelis have leaned into sustainability in a real way — using the platform of sports and entertainment to push environmental awareness forward. This isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s a partnership built around long-term impact.
And seeing middle schoolers lead the charge? That’s the win.
Because when 11- and 12-year-olds are excited about recycling, documenting their efforts, and celebrating environmental stewardship like it’s a championship — that tells you the future’s in good hands.
