Do you know it’s “baller” to recycle? South Mecklenburg High library science students do.

In fact, the students, led by media specialist Jennifer Hibner, put their knowledge of recycling and wiping out waste into several commercials on the subject.

Four of those commercials were recognized by the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.

In its first year holding the RE3.org High School Recycling Commercial Contest, the organization received 33 entries. A Rocky Mount student was the overall winner, but four South Mecklenburg High commercials were also recognized. The South Meck students are:

• Runner-Up/Funniest Entry: “No Styrofoam Please” by Kevin Baughman, Leonella Bellitini, Jon Parham, Noor Shayeb and Michael Warner
• Best Recycling Message: “It’s Baller” by James Barnes, Elari Bova, Patricio Intriago, Katie Johnson, Brant McNeill, Emily Tutas and Sharae Williams
• Best Concept: “Just One” by April Long, Ellis Pickens, Kelsey Stables and Susan Walsh
• Most Entertaining: “Trash Monster” by Wilson Brooks, Rebecca Dudley and Trip Mazzucco

“We’re excited about the creativity of these high school students,” said Eric Evans, community development administrator with Edgecombe County. “Their effort to reinforce RE3.org’s mission to promote behavior change in others through their recycling message is outstanding.”

All the top entries will air on Time Warner Cable channels. The commercials will also be available for local governments to air on public access channels throughout the state.

To view the winning entries and other recycling videos, please visit RE3.org’s YouTube page (not viewable on CMS computers).