U.S. 2 safety a priority for Sultan student

Published 9:05 pm Wednesday, June 10, 2009

SULTAN — Sultan High School junior Lizzie Monroe, 16, last year found herself with a daunting task.

Monroe had made it to the final four of a mock “Apprentice” game in her leadership class. She had to create her own project, something that involved the community and her school. She also needed to show leadership qualities in the project.

After thinking about it for a while, Monroe decided to create the U.S. 2 Memorial Scholarship Fund to remember those who have lost their lives on the highway, and to raise awareness about traffic safety issues. Monroe had a friend who was killed on the highway in December 2007.

“The memorial was not only for him but for everyone who has been killed (or injured) on the highway,” Monroe said. “We give out $500 each year.”

The money goes to a graduating senior from Sultan High School who intends to pursue a degree or certificate that relates to highway safety.

Monroe keeps the vision of her scholarship fund alive with goals for the future. She would like to have a corporate sponsor and involvement from other students in other schools.

“I’ve had a hard time with it in the winter and the fall,” Monroe said.

The gloomy economy has made it tough to collect funds, too. Monroe has persevered and hosted a demonstration on 4-H clubs and contacted people in the business community.

Monroe has worked with closely is the U.S. 2 Safety Coalition’s group of citizens, elected officials and business people who work to improve conditions on the highway.

A total of 83 people have lost their lives since Jan. 1, 1993 in U.S. 2 accidents, and thousands more have been injured, said Fred Walser, chairman of the board that has lobbied in Olympia and in Washington, D.C.

“Lizzie came up with this idea and implemented it last year,” Walser said. “We want to sustain it and help her. We think it’s a marvelous idea.”

The board voted unanimously to help Monroe with her project. Walser is working with staff at the Evergreen Speedway to see if they can work together to boost the scholarship fund. That involves selling tickets to the race and a buffet dinner and tour, Walser said.

Details still are in the works but should be finalized within weeks.

Monroe’s vision and that of Walser’s group are the same when it comes to raising awareness about U.S. 2.

Monroe thinks of people in her own generation and what they can do to stay safe. She’s had vehicles almost rear-end her car when drivers were talking on their cell phones. She also sees many people talking to others in the back seat and not paying attention.

“When teenagers are learning to drive it’s all about driving fast and blasting music,” Monroe said. On U.S. 2 “it’s not something you want to do.”

Christina Harper: 425-339-3491, harper@heraldnet.com.

How to donate

The U.S.2 Memorial Scholarship Fund, Sultan Education Foundation, P.O. Box 541, Sultan, WA. 98294.