How One Voice Can Make a Difference: A Roundabout Brings Community Advocacy Full Circle

Lauren Tegeler and fellow students speak before the Peoria City Council regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Lone Mountain Parkway and Vistancia Boulevard.

Our first blog post comes from Lauren Tegeler, a founding member of Creative Innovators Project (CIP), a longtime Odyssey of the Mind participant, and our Student Media Ambassador.

During CIP's first year, students began exploring a challenge that affected many families in our community: pedestrian and traffic safety. As they researched the issue, they learned an important lesson we often discuss at CIP—that innovation starts with understanding a problem before trying to solve it.

While the team encountered obstacles along the way, Lauren witnessed community advocacy in action through her mother, Cicely Clouse. The experience showed her how persistence, leadership, and civic engagement can help create meaning.

In her own words, Lauren shares that story below.

Lauren Tegeler and her mother, Cicely Clouse, at the intersection that inspired a community conversation about safety. Their experience reminds us that meaningful change often begins when ordinary people choose to get involved.

Photo courtesy of ABC15 Arizona

Speaking Up

Hello, my name is Lauren Tegeler, and I am a member and the Student Media Ambassador for Creative Innovators Project. One of the projects CIP had the opportunity to be involved in was observing the process for installing a roundabout at the intersection of Lone Mountain and Vistancia Blvd. 

Creating Change

My mom, Cicely Clouse, was vital in this process, speaking out about the many casualties and injuries that occurred at this intersection due to reckless driving. She also had the opportunity to speak to the city council and Mayor Beck about this issue, which thankfully helped convince them to implement a plan to make a change. Furthermore, some of my CIP teammates and I attended the city council meeting, where I had the opportunity to speak as well. 

Peoria City Council reviewed safety concerns, evaluated a roundabout proposal, and ultimately approved the project. Students had the opportunity to witness the public decision-making process firsthand.

Making an Impact

I spoke about my experience driving through that intersection and the horrible things that other people and I had witnessed. In one incident, a school bus of children aged 5 through 14 witnessed a violent accident occur, one that was so severe the school brought in a trauma counselor to speak to the students on that bus. Thankfully, the project was approved in 2024, and construction began a few weeks ago. 

Construction underway at Lone Mountain Parkway and Vistancia Boulevard following the Peoria City Council's unanimous approval of the roundabout project

Photo courtesy Lone Mountain Rd & Vistancia Blvd Website shared via City of Peoria

“This process helped me recognize how much time and effort these projects require, and that it sometimes only takes one person (such as my mom) to make a difference.”

This community update served as the inspiration for Lauren's reflection and a reminder that meaningful change doesn't happen overnight. Sometimes the most important lessons in leadership, advocacy, and problem solving unfold over months—and even years.

Photo courtesy of Vistancia Living Magazine

Lauren's story is a reminder that innovation is not limited to inventions, technology, or competitions. Sometimes innovation begins when someone sees a problem, speaks up, and works with others to create positive change.

At CIP, we believe young people can make a meaningful impact in their communities when they combine curiosity, creativity, and action. We are proud of Lauren, her family, and everyone who helped make this project a reality.

Related Resources

• ABC15 coverage of the project: "Peoria unanimously approves roundabout project for problem intersection." The article notes that crashes at the intersection increased by 375% compared to the five-year average and highlights the community advocacy that helped move the project forward.

• City of Peoria construction updates: for the Lone Mountain Road & Vistancia Boulevard Roundabout Project. The city states the roundabout is intended to improve safety, traffic flow, and overall efficiency at the intersection.