* Disclaimer: 42Fifty Editor-in-Chief Raelyn Alvarez is a main contributor to the proposal of focus in the article and a a co-author.
While the issue of gravel lot conditions at OH has persisted for over six years, and student complaints have been issued to the administration about walking conditions, the concerns have received little to no formal response – until this past October.
On Oct. 12, 2023, OH senior Raelyn Alvarez, Principal Christopher Grays, OH teacher Wendy Monn, SD308 Operations Director William Queen, and other OH staff members addressed the long-term safety issue of the gravel lot in a proposal to the SD308 School Board of Education. The proposal for a safe walkway from the gravel lot to the main campus was favorably received; the goal is to build the sidewalk for the safety of OH students and in memory of students who have passed away.
“With new, irresponsible drivers and no walkways, [students] have to be super cautious when driving in and out,” said senior and previous gravel lot user Kyle Allard. “When there are six inches of snow on the ground, and you have to walk on the road, one foot away from speeding cars, it is extremely unsafe.”
These concerns from students have not gone unheard, as many administrators in the building are aware of this issue and are working to fix it with the proposal.
“The proposed path/walkway hopes to provide more of a safe path from the [gravel] lot to the general parking lot,” said Activities Director and Assistant Principal Brian Cooney.
Six years ago, former Assistant Principal William Nunamaker saw the dangers of the gravel lot and proposed building a passageway from the gravel lot through Memorial Lane to the school. The idea was proposed, but it was never approved.
When OH B.I.O.N.I.C. (Believe it or Not I Care) club leader and Health teacher Wendy Monn shared the history of Memorial Lane during her class, Alvarez reignited the campaign for the memorial and implementation of a walkway.
Memorial Lane was supported by many through the purchase of bricks with memorial plaques lining the road from the gravel lot to the school. According to Student Services Department Chair Patti Marcinko, these bricks were the school’s way of keeping alive the memory of those who passed away. However, after the pandemic hit, the tradition became a memory of its own.
“People pick the plaques [naming those who have passed] off the bricks because of students needing to cross the street into Memorial Lane,” said Marcinko. “It hurts my heart.”
Even after the sidewalk is approved, the work toward goal fulfillment is not done. Director of Operations William Queen and Alvarez will present their case to the Board of Education in December. Students wanting to support this cause may send feedback through a Google Form link.
There is still a long logistical process before construction can begin on the pathway and Memorial Lane. OH and the Oswego School Board of Education still need final approval and financial support before the plan can be put into motion.
“The goals currently are to see some bids and begin the approval process,” said Cooney. “I’m not aware of the total timeline to complete this proposed project.”
The slogan ‘To keep a life, to keep a memory’ was created by Alvarez to showcase the importance of keeping the spirit of OH’s past, present, and future generations alive. If passed, the sidewalk will be called “Nunamaker Way” in memory of OH Assistant Principal William Nunamaker. The OH Quill & Scroll Journalism Honor Society is also named in Nunamaker’s memory.
Really great idea! Great work as always.