Photos: St. Helena Teen Receives City's 1st Community In Action Award

ST. HELENA, CA — In a small ceremony Friday on Kearney Street between Madrona and Andrea avenues, a St. Helena ninth-grader was honored with the city of St. Helena's first-ever Community In Action award.

Lucy Janev was presented the award where, as a first-grader, she first fought for safer sidewalks. She went before the St. Helena City Council and asked for crosswalks at Madrona Avenue and Kearney Street, a route frequented by St. Helena Elementary School students and Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School students.

As a fourth- and fifth-grader, she continued to attend City Council meetings, passionately voicing her concerns. In sixth grade, she wrote another letter urging further action to enhance pedestrian safety.

Her determination led to the recent installation of new curb ramps with curb extensions—bulb-outs—and an additional crosswalk at the intersection, significantly redesigning it to improve safety for all residents.

"Lucy's determination and perseverance are truly inspiring," said St. Helena City Council member Anne Chouteau. "Her efforts, supported by the voices of other concerned parents, have led to tangible changes that benefit our community and demonstrated the profound impact of civic engagement at any age. This collaborative effort is a powerful reminder that every voice can make a difference in shaping our community's future."

Read more about Lucy's efforts.