COSBY-Cosby elementary students in grades K-3 got an eye-opening lesson in trash on Thursday morning as they watched Keep Cocke County Beautiful Chair Charlene Cureton dump 312 pieces of trash onto the floor of the school's gymnasium while school principal Nora Wilson was absent from the gathering.

Cureton's actions capped a morning program by KCCB to kick off Cocke County's annual participation in the Great American Clean-up campaign that stretches from March 1 through May 31.

Upon Wilson's return to the program, Cureton explained that the empty milk jugs, water bottles, pieces of paper, and other items total 312. "That's exactly the same as the number of students you have in your school," Cureton told the children. "If each one of you just throws one piece of trash on the ground, this is what you'll have. And, nearly every piece of trash here could be recycled."

Cureton, accompanied by several members of the KCCB board of directors, presented a short program about her group's ongoing efforts to beautify Cocke County. Board member Armando Fontes narrated a power point program which featured photos of dumpsites across Cocke County, including several close to the school.

"We try to get people to do the right thing by picking up litter," said Cureton. We want you to talk to your parents and family members about not littering and encourage them to pick up litter."

"Remember, PRIDE stands for Personal Responsibility in your Designated Environment," Cureton added. "Be smart! Do your part!"

Board members also reminded the classes, "It's free to dump! Influence others to care. Always take your trash to convenience centers."

At the end of the program, Cureton presented backpacks to Wilson and school secretary Glenda Henderson and a Japanese saucer magnolia tree, compliments of Lowe's, to the school.