LYNN — It is no secret that Eastern Avenue is one of those streets on which people often drive too fast.
Halfway between Western Avenue and the beach sits the Aborn Elementary School, where the students are well aware of speeding motorists.
In October 2024, a 9-year-old Aborn student was struck by a car on Eastern Avenue near the school, which was holding its Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration. In April of this year, a former Aborn student was hit and suffered serious injuries.
For the Aborn students, it was time to take action. Members of the Student Council, working with faculty advisor Donna Amico, decided to write letters to Mayor Jared C. Nicholson and city councilors, urging them to take measures to slow down traffic. The suggestions included: brightly painted or raised crosswalks, flashing “School Zone” signs, and speed bumps.
The students wrote:
“The Aborn Student Council want people to feel safe while crossing the street.” — Liam Galvin, Grade 5.
“The safety of the families and students is very important. Thanks for looking into this matter.” – Kendall Guy, Grade 5.
“Clearly the speed limit sign is not working. Something must be done.” Adam Copans – Grade 4.
Ward 3 City Councilor Coco Alinsug, who sits on the Aborn School Advisory Board, was impressed with the students’ initiative.
“Anything that starts with students is a wakeup call for policy makers,” Alinsug said. “I fully support them and will follow up on the request for support.”
Alinsug noted that changes such as the ones requested by the students first fall under the purview of the Traffic Commission.
“There would have to be a public hearing that parents and teachers can attend,” he said. “It is a process.”
Superintendent of Schools Molly Cohen met with the Aborn Student Council members who wrote the letters.
“The best part of this is that it is student-driven,” Cohen said. “The students acted out of a genuine concern for their classmates and everyone who visits the school. They are true leaders in their school.”
Nicholson said the City could use Safe Streets for All grant funding to implement traffic safety enhancements.
“It is encouraging to see elementary-school students take this kind of initiative to try to create a safer environment around their school,” Nicholson said. “Working with the Traffic Commission, we will try to take action that addresses their concerns.”
Aborn Principal Sarah MacIsaac said, “I am so proud of our Student Council for advocating for additional safety measures in our school. I hope this experience empowers them to see themselves as changemakers now and in the years to come.”
