A group of students from the Liberty-Benton Academic Complex have secured a sizable grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian safety around their school. The grant, amounting to $462,945, will go towards constructing a multi-use concrete path in Findlay, with construction slated for the summer of 2025. As reported, ODOT District 1 Deputy Director Chris Hughes praised the initiative, saying, "The initiative and dedication shown by these students is truly remarkable."
Unlike the common practice of schools and local governments applying for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant, these students led the charge on a path starting on County Road 9 and extending to State Route 12. The project will include a pedestrian crossing at County Road 9 on Early Drive. During a seventh-grade writing assignment, the idea was born, imagining sidewalks connecting their school to nearby nature preserves – a thought turned into actionable community improvement.
The young visionaries, now in high school, initially approached local officials with their proposal. After engaging with County Engineer Douglas Cade, the students learned about the SRTS program and tailored their plans to fit the grant's guidelines. Reflecting on the process, Liberty-Benton freshman Bekah Mast told the Ohio Department Of Transportation, "It helped us with our communication and public speaking," highlighting the growth in their capability to engage with figures of authority.
The SRTS grant prioritizes projects demonstrating a marked improvement in connectivity and safety for students commuting to school. To show community backing for the initiative, the students organized various events, such as coloring contests and a walk-a-thon that involved the students walking a combined 534 miles. This is a testament to the program's criterion, which requires showing community engagement and support. The students excitedly engaged in decor contests and other community engagement activities.
While the paths may not be completed till after some of the students have moved on from Liberty-Benton, they recognize the lasting positive impact of their work. "Even if we are not going to be around to use them, it is still betterment to our community and leaving a mark on our school," commented Liberty-Benton freshman Liz Niese to ODOT. These routes, once built, will serve as a testament to the efforts of a group of proactive students looking beyond their immediate benefit toward the greater good of their community.
