Two Alvirne High School students received praise from the Hudson Board of Selectmen this week after successfully raising funds to help install new illuminated stop signs at two dangerous intersections in town.
Town Administrator Roy Sorenson told the Board he had been contacted by Madelynne Perron, co-president of the newly formed Hands of Hope Club at Alvirne, about the group’s desire to donate money toward safety improvements.
“The group is interested in donating funds to purchase two illuminated stop signs for the Wason–Musquash and Wason–Burns Hill intersections,” Sorenson said. “The group is composed of high school juniors who are passionate about improving the Hudson community.”
Sorenson noted that the students had already spoken with Town Engineer Elvis Dhima and that Public Works Director Kevin Twardosky had been informed of the request. He added that the signs must comply with MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) standards, meaning additional coordination may be needed once the donation is formally accepted.
Perron told the Board that the project was deeply personal. During the first week of school, her father was struck by a car at the Wason–Musquash intersection, an incident she said reflects a larger safety problem.
“A number of accidents have occurred at this hazardous intersection,” Perron said. “It could happen to anyone at any time.”
Her co-president, Sanjana Bangaru, explained that the Hands of Hope Club was created this year to encourage student activism and community improvement.
“We have started this club to promote and establish activism and change within our community,” Bangaru said.
Student-Led Fundraising – Through their own efforts, the students raised approximately $400, including proceeds from two henna art fundraisers and a car wash that brought in about $220. They then worked with the Town to obtain an estimate for the cost of two flashing stop signs.
To help close the funding gap, the students approached the Alvirne Board of Trustees, which donated an additional $2,200, bringing the total contribution to $2,600.
Selectmen Praise Students’ Initiative – Selectman Heidi Jakoby said she regularly travels through the intersection and agreed it can be difficult to see the existing signs, especially at night.
“Those signs are difficult to see,” Jakoby said. “Thank you for finding a creative way of funding this for the town.”
Board Chair Dillon Dumont echoed the concern, noting that his own family has been affected.
“It’s a dangerous intersection,” Dumont said. “My sister-in-law actually got hit there in that same spot. I really appreciate you seeing a problem and taking initiative to get something done.”
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to accept with gratitude the donation of $2,600 from the Hands of Hope Club for the purchase of two illuminated stop signs. The signs will be installed by the Hudson Public Works Department once procurement and compliance steps are completed.
The next Hudson Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 7 p.m.
