TOP PHOTO: Litter Control Volunteer Taraji Abernathy was honored on Monday by Campbell County Sheriff Wayne Barton (left) and Glennis Monday (right), the Campbell County litter control director. She also received a Nobody Trashes Tennessee Swag bag loaded with goodies.

Glennis Monday and Taraji Abernathy stand around Abernathy’s adopt a highway sign on Valley View Road.

LAFOLLETTE,TN (WLAF) – The first country mile of Valley View Road is missing something- trash. Thanks to the ambition and the respect for her county 12-year old Taraji Abernathy is keeping it clean. “We have such a beautiful county, and I don’t like it that people throw trash. So I do my part to help keep it clean,” said Abernathy.

Abernathy points to her house on the hill. Her adopted road runs from there all the way to Old Middlesboro Highway (below).

“She does a darn good job,” said Glennis Monday, Campbell County litter control director. He and Abernathy met at the Louie Bluie Fest four years ago. “She told me she wanted to adopt a road, and since she was a third grader at Valley View Elementary School, she’s been keeping the road that runs right by her house litter-free,” said Monday.

When her family heads down the road, there’s always a bag in the car just in case she sees trash along the road. “Most of the 23 folks or organizations who’ve adopted a road, police it once a month. For Taraji, it’s weekly, if not daily in some cases,” said Monday.

The touching words of Glennis Monday grace the plaque that was presented to Taraji Abernathy.

Abernathy’s an inspiration. Other children have asked about adopting a road because of her impression, according to Monday.

Monday laughs, though he is serious, that when he retires, he’s handing his badge to Abernathy. “She has the pride and passion to do this job,” said Monday.

Taraji Abernathy has had an adopted road since third grade. If you are interested in adopting a road, contact Litter Control Officer Glennis Monday at littercontrolcc@gmail.com or at 423.562.2526.

She is a sixth grader at La Follette Middle School excelling academically and athletically. She likes track, basketball and softball. Her favorite subjects are science and social studies and has her sights set on becoming a veterinarian or a medical doctor.

“She has the coolest sign out there. We design the adopted road signs with something that person likes or an organization’s logo,” said Monday. That first week Taraji’s sign was up, I had more than 20 comments on it, Monday added.

“We’ll have a work detail on Valley View Road on occasion, and they’ll say there’s nothing here to clean,” said a beaming Monday. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED- 03/01/2023-6AM)

8 Replies to “Abernathy sets an example of dedication”

  1. GREAT JOB TARAJI, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK….YES TRASH SHOULD STAY IN OUR CARS NOT ON THE ROADS.

  3. It’s great that some one as young ashe is wants to keep the county clean she can set a example for the people who would rather throw their trash out the window rather than throw it in a trash can her parents should be very proud they done a great job raising her the county should be very proud of her and her parents. It’s shame she is out there picking up trash from people don,t think nothing about throwing it out the window shame on you

  4. HOW WONDERFUL TO HAVE THIS YOUNG LADY CAMPBELL COUNTY…YOU GO GIRL…I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE THROW THEIR TRASH IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK…IT BLOWS OUT AND LANDS ALONG THE HIGHWAY…YOU ARE ONE SMART YOUNG LADY TOO…KEEP IT THE GOOD WORK……

  5. What a angel , GBU I hope all your dreams and ambitions come true . What a example she is leading youth ! Keep up the excellent work young lady !

  6. What an intelligent young leader ! GBU angel Taraji ! Great job and may all your ambitions come true ! This is a fine example of how to raise your children ! I hope people use their sense and follow her lead ! CC is beautiful let’s keep it that way !

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