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SOUTH JORDAN -- A teenager from South Jordan is using a simple idea to help make the streets in his neighborhood safer.
Gaven Guthrie, 14, won a High 5 for a project that's quite visible on Thursdays, which are trash days in his neighborhood. For his Eagle Scout project, Gavin put reflective tape on trash cans so the neighbors won't accidentally hit them.
Gaven recognized the hazard large, dark bins can pose, and took action by approaching city leaders.
Aaron Sainsbury, associate director of public works for the city said, "It was kind of a lengthy process and his stick-to-it-ness and his ability to go out and complete the project as a representative of the city -- I want to tell him thanks and great job."
After getting the OK from the city, Gaven got support from his neighbors. He then approached the company Safety, Supply, and Sign about donating reflective tape.
Company spokesman Adam Wilson said, "Our whole purpose as a business is to help with traffic and stuff like that. So when he called and mentioned what he was doing, it was a perfect opportunity to help out and keep people safer in vehicles."
Gaven put reflective tape on 135 trash cans.
His mom, Kathy Guthrie, said, "It's a good feeling that he's left that footprint with his Eagle Scout project."
That footprint could get bigger.
"They're thinking about doing it in other communities to help keep other communities safer," Gaven explained.
Our friends at Les Schwab are committed to saluting the unsung heroes in our community. They gave Gaven a gift basket in appreciation for his efforts to make his neighborhood safer.
If you know someone who deserves a High 5, nominate them here.
