Power, MT – In the small town of Power, Montana, a quirky road sign reading “Next 5 Exits” has become a beloved symbol of local humor. But this sign, which has long been the subject of good-natured jokes, recently became the focal point of a community-driven project led by the Power High School’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter.
The project, which sought to blend humor with a serious message, was born out of a desire to honor the late Joseph Tackes, a longtime supporter of Power. Students in the FCCLA Chapter, including Laurlynn Harrell, Jordyn Stengrimson, and Rylan Bowman, took on the task of refurbishing the iconic sign and turning it into a tribute to Tackes’ legacy. Bowman, who spearheaded the initiative, expressed his excitement about the new sign, noting, “It was important to all of us to honor Joe’s humor and contributions while also making improvements to our town.”
The project began with a simple idea: students initially considered launching a pothole-filling campaign but ultimately decided that a tribute to Tackes would be a more fitting way to celebrate his impact on the community. The new, larger sign now features a plaque in honor of Tackes, and local residents had the opportunity to sign the back of the sign, making it a true community project.
In addition to the sign, the students worked to refurbish aging traffic signs throughout the town. Stengrimson explained, “The old signs were all dented and the poles were hanging over. We wanted to make them look better and more visible for people.” As part of the road safety initiative, the students also posted acrylic-framed safety reminders in public bathrooms and strategically placed about 25 yard signs throughout the community, bearing the message, “Slow down and enjoy the ride.” The reminder, Vick said, encourages residents and travelers to take in the scenery while remaining mindful of the road.
The students’ efforts were not limited to improving traffic signs. They also focused on educating their peers and the community about the dangers of distracted driving. Stengrimson, a senior at Power High School, emphasized the importance of being aware while driving, especially in rural areas where wildlife and other obstacles can pose a serious threat. “Simple things like connecting your phone to Bluetooth while you’re driving or eating on your way to school—those can all end up being really big distractions,” she said.
The project was funded through a $2,000 grant from the Montana Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero program, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. The students also received recognition for their efforts, earning first place at the state FCCLA conference in Bozeman. Power High School’s FCCLA adviser, Lauren Vick, was named Adviser of the Year, and Harrell was selected as a state officer for the Montana FCCLA State Executive Council.
For Vick, the success of the project was not just about the tangible improvements to the town but about the experience it provided her students. “I’m really proud of the progress they made and their ability to listen to the community’s needs,” she said. “For them to experience making change and seeing it be successful is huge for our young people.”
While the new “Next 5 Exits” sign stands as a reminder of the students’ dedication, their efforts don’t end there. The original sign, once refurbished, will be relocated to the other side of town, ensuring it remains a cherished part of Power’s history.
The road safety initiative was just one aspect of the Power FCCLA team’s successful performance at the state conference. The sixth-grade Baking Club team also earned second place in the Families First State Outreach Project category, adding to the list of accomplishments for the Power High School students.
Through their hard work and commitment, the students of Power High School have not only honored a local legend but also made a meaningful contribution to the safety and well-being of their community. Their project serves as a testament to the power of youth-driven change, demonstrating that with a little creativity and collaboration, young people can make a lasting difference in their communities.
