FLORENCE, Ala. — Going into the second week of school, Forest Hills, Hibbett, and Harlan elementary school students had a surprise guest visit them on Monday, August 12. The Rocket City Trash Pandas mascot, "Sprocket," showed up at schools with plenty of hugs and high-fives to go around.

The visit was part of a Trash Pandas initiative to encourage students as they return to the classroom for 2024-2025.

"We're just here welcoming kids back to school, having Sprocket out–just good, positive energy," said Rocket City Trash Pandas Director of Community Relations Maddison Kendrick.

In addition to visiting schools, Sprocket made an appearance in downtown Florence, where he stopped at local businesses to say hello.