Following an unsettling experience walking home from school in 2023, Liliana Jones, a junior at Bethlehem Central High School, knew she needed to take action.
What started as a stressful moment sparked a journey of civic action that would ultimately lead to a safety improvement at one of the most heavily trafficked intersections near the high school, at Delaware Avenue and Cherry Avenue/Elm Avenue. Now, thanks to Liliana, all pedestrians have more adequate time to safely cross at the intersection.
“I was walking diagonally across Delaware Avenue like a lot of students do, when a driver suddenly pulled over and started yelling at me,” Jones recalled. “Instead of arguing back, I walked straight to Town Hall and asked for a form to submit a concern. It just so happened Mr. VanLuven, the town supervisor, was there—and that unexpected moment turned into a meeting and the beginning of a real solution.”
Following the meeting, Liliana launched her own survey, gathering input from fellow students and documenting patterns of pedestrian behavior. She didn’t stop there—she sent her data to both state and town officials, and even presented her findings to the Town Board.
In 2024, she followed up with Nate Owens, the senior planner for the Town of Bethlehem, and worked closely with Town Board member Maureen Cunningham to put her goals into action.
Owens said that Jones, along with two other BCHS students—Maggie Alderisio and Payton Gordinier—advocated strongly for changes to the crossing. He told Jones that the Department of Transportation’s decision to run modeling simulations of the intersection to improve pedestrian safety was influenced, in part, by the research and data gathered by Jones.
“I was honestly in disbelief that something I started was being taken so seriously,” Jones said.
Her determination has already had a real-world impact: the New York State Department of Transportation has changed the timing of the crossing light at Delaware and Cherry/Elm Ave which gives pedestrians more time to cross.
“The decision of the NYS DOT to change the crosswalk timing at the intersection is a result of advocacy by BCHS student Liliana Jones,” said Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven. “She stopped by my office last fall to share her concerns and proposed solutions. She then delivered carefully collected data on student crossing patterns to me and to the state Department of Transportation. This change not only improves student safety but also shows what’s possible when students get involved.”
Liliana is passionate about empowering other young people to step up.
“You don’t have to be in high-level classes or get perfect grades to take action,” she said. “It only takes your voice—and if you’re willing to use it, you’re going to be unstoppable. Cold email your legislators. They’ll talk to you. They want to hear what you have to say.”
Beyond her local advocacy, Liliana’s impact continues to grow. She was recently invited to speak at the 2nd Annual NYS Civics Bee Competition, held at the Albany Convention Center on May 30. The event, hosted by the Business Council of New York State and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is designed to encourage middle school students to explore civic engagement. Liliana participated in a student panel hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute, speaking alongside a representative from the New York State Insurance Fund.
“An important part of the district’s mission is to prepare students to become engaged community members,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “At times, that preparation comes in the form of student role models who have developed leadership skills at a young age. Changemakers like Liliana inspire others and are integral to meeting our goals and ultimately strengthening the BC community.”