Kalayarasan Thangamani, a senior at Cypress High School voiced his concerns regarding unsafe crosswalks at the intersections of Moody Street and Marion Avenue to the Cypress Traffic Commission Committee on Dec. 10, 2024. He has worked on this issue for four months and has made significant progress toward his goal. 

In Cypress High School AP Government classes, students are required to construct a civic action project as part of their curriculum. These projects are intended to push students into the real world by encouraging them to participate in addressing social, political, personal, and community issues. By taking the initiative, students have the opportunity to engage in advocacy and service while empowering individuals to make lasting changes.

Thangamani aimed to raise awareness regarding the dangers of inadequate quality crosswalks while physically making our community a better place. “The success I have had with my civic action project makes me feel I have actually made a difference in our community. Being able to physically make our community safer makes me feel satisfied, and brings on a whole new level of accomplishment,” he said.

Despite facing multiple obstacles including a lack of time and extra hands in bringing his project to life, he persevered and raised awareness regarding the issue he encountered in hopes of making others feel safer. After countless hours of research, he was able to bring forward an effective solution: adding lights to the affected crosswalks. “The civic action project helped show me how I can make a real difference in our community, and I hope that the pedestrians who frequently use that crosswalk will feel safer when crossing the street,” Thangamani said. 

Not only does this civic action project actively challenge students to apply their understanding of government processes to the real world, but also allows students to contribute a meaningful change to society. Thangamani is a true reflection of what this goal means to the school community.