Explore Academy Las Cruces students present ideas at City Hall

Students from Explore Academy Las Cruces shared their own research and proposals about one of Las Cruces’ busiest intersections March 11 at City Hall.  

The ideas focused on potential improvements to the Triviz Drive, Telshor Boulevard, and Spruce Avenue intersection while giving students an opportunity to learn more about city planning and infrastructure projects. The presentations were part of a class project in which students researched the intersection and presented their ideas to city officials as a learning experience. 

Haven Consaul, a student who participated in the presentation, said the experience of presenting ideas in front of city officials was both fascinating and engaging. 

“It was interesting. I liked it,” Consaul said. “I feel like there was a good amount of people listening.”  

Consaul said improving the intersection is important for the community because of traffic and safety concerns, "mainly because of the amount of car crashes that could happen and traffic jams that already happen."

Assistant principal Antonio Zapata said the opportunity for students to present their ideas came through the school’s math teacher.  John Gately, an eighth-grade math teacher at Explore Academy Las Cruces who helped organize the project, said giving students the chance to participate in real-world planning discussions helps them feel more connected to the community. 

“I think it’s good for them to feel like they have a voice and feel involved in the process,” Gately said. “I hope they take away a memorable experience and confidence.” 

Vanessa Morales-Romero, the interim engineering and surveying manager with the City of Las Cruces, said the intersection has been identified as an area the city is evaluating for possible improvements.  

“There’s a lot of traffic congestion there, so that’s the main reason we’re looking at improvements,” Morales-Romero said.  She said it is encouraging to see students involved in discussions about local infrastructure projects. “It’s exciting to get them thinking at younger ages so they can become more involved.”

Morales-Romero said the city is continuing to work on the project as it moves toward the next phase. 

“Right now, we’re finalizing the design, and we plan to go out to bid in a few weeks,” she said.