Curiosity during a standard lesson on recycling for second graders at Eastside Elementary quickly grew into a real-world lesson in civic leadership.

The second-grade students were exploring recycling when they discovered Eastside Elementary did not have a recycling program or containers available for students.

Rather than simply accepting the issue, they took action by writing a letter to Principal Dr. Tameka Scott, sharing their concerns and asking what could be done to increase recycling at the elementary school.

Their letter sparked a partnership with the City of Douglasville Recycling Department, whose representatives visited the classroom, answered student questions and taught students how they can make a difference. The department also provided the class with a recycling container, educational materials and T-shirts.

The students left the experience with new knowledge and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a changemaker.

“This is how change is made,” said Dr. Scott. “You see an issue or a problem, and you don't complain — you act.”

Thanks to the curiosity and courage of Vanesa Hernandez’s students, the classroom now has its own recycling container. What began as a literacy lesson turned into a real-world lesson in civic responsibility, advocacy and leadership.

“At Eastside, we are proud to see our students not only learning about the world around them, but also recognizing that they have the power to make it better,” Dr. Scott said. “One question. One letter. One classroom. One small action that can make a big difference.”