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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2026 |
As National Work Zone Awareness Week begins next week, Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) is recognizing Waterville Senior High School for its outstanding student led efforts to promote safe driving in work zones — and for becoming the first high school in Maine to sign the new Maine Safe Driving Pledge.
The partnership began earlier this year when Waterville students talked with MTA leadership at a chance-encounter at the State House. The students shared how their community had been affected by a tragic MaineDOT work zone incident just weeks before. Their determination to help prevent future tragedies inspired a collaboration.
During the school’s spirit week, the Student Government Association organized a door decorating contest focused on work zone safety. Homerooms created peer to peer safety messages, and MTA staff joined a schoolwide pep rally last Friday, where students voted on a Student Choice Award.
Yesterday, at a Work Zone Awareness Week press conference, the following Waterville representatives were recognized:
• Penny Graham, Student
• Maria Nawfel, Student
• Izzy Burwood, Student
• Donna Forkey, Student Council Advisor & Mathematics Teacher
• Ciara Hargrove, Choral Director
• Dr. Brian Laramee, Principal
The three junior class students were honored as winners of the Student Choice Award. MTA staff also selected an Industry Award recipient, recognizing the design that best reflected the transportation community’s commitment to safe driving. The Industry Award was presented to the Waterville representatives, along with a letter of recognition and a donation to support their class fund. “I’m proud to present this award,” said Executive Director Andre Briere. “As someone who works in transportation— and as a parent of younger drivers—I’m grateful to these students for embracing the safety message we’re discussing today.”
The Maine Safe Driving Pledge Now Open
As part of this year’s campaign, the Maine Safe Driving Pledge is now available statewide. By signing, Maine drivers commit to slowing down, staying alert, and respecting the people working just feet from traffic. The pledge emphasizes that choices behind the wheel can save lives — and that a split second decision can change lives forever.
Waterville Senior High School is the first school in Maine to sign the pledge, which is now available at maine.gov/dot/pledge.
National Work Zone Awareness Week
Observed April 20–24, National Work Zone Awareness Week marks the start of spring construction season and highlights the need for extra caution driving in work zones. Most people killed in work zone crashes are drivers or passengers, underscoring the role responsible driving plays in keeping everyone safe.