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Alamance, Sedgefield and Madison elementary schools took top honors recently for collecting the most aluminum cans in the Kids, Cans & Ca$h recycling challenge.

The schools were divided into three categories, based on their number of students, and judged on the weight of the cans they collected.

Alamance Elementary School won in the 600 students and up group, collecting 444.80 pounds; Sedgefield topped the 400-599 students group with 208.40 pounds; and Madison collected 303.20 pounds, winning among schools with fewer than 399 students.

Alamance won for the second time in its category, said Susan Heim, environmental services coordinator with Guilford County.

Cynthia Hall, exceptional students teacher, and her class of 11 students "took the reins in this and were instrumental in getting the entire school involved," Heim said.

Hall said Alamance school won $266.88, which will go toward the purchase of educational materials for the school.

"Kelli Anderson, my assistant teacher, the principal and assistant principal, custodial staff and the surrounding community have all been so supportive and encouraging throughout -- that's how we've been so successful," Hall said.

Sedgefield principal Michele Meley said her school has been involved all three years, but this was their first time taking the prize.

"We have worked really hard, come so close to winning, but never won until now, so our school is absolutely thrilled," Meley said before the school's celebration assembly.

Madison Elementary was participating for the first time.

Heim said that though Madison was a small school, with fewer than 250 students, they made a lot of noise in showing their excitement.

"The students were extremely excited. (radio station WOZN) 98.7 came out, and they just really had a good time," principal Judy Robbins said.

More than 30 schools participated from Oct. 27 to Nov. 10, collecting 2,884 pounds of cans in the challenge, jointly sponsored by Guilford County, Greensboro and High Point.

This is the third year for the recycling challenge held in celebration of America Recycles Day, which was Nov. 15.

"The goal is to bring home the concept of recycling. The schools won cash for the cans they collected, so our hope is that they will see that the cans they normally throw away do have value," Heim said.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244 or adria.hairston@news-record.com