A senior at George Washington High School is proving that student voices matter — effecting real change after raising concerns over the unpaved entrance to the Mangilao campus.

It’s been a rocky road to change for the students of GW, but come Tuesday’s end, one longstanding issue could finally be smoothed over. On Tuesday, the Department of Public Works confirming with KUAM News that the agency is paving the main entrance road to the Mangilao campus, a problem that’s been impacting student safety and school pride.

For senior Genesis Babauta, it’s a welcomed solution after months of advocating for change. Babauta speaking out about the issue on social media earlier this month, garnering community support, and even the attention of island leaders. “Our voices matter and that we’re not just students, but we’re community citizens of the island," he stated.

“Without the community helping me and making my voice heard, it’s nothing. I would be speaking to no one. I’m really grateful to them, and grateful that they gave me the opportunity to speak up and create a real change for my school, and leave the school with something more.”

He now encourages other students, and residents to get vocal and stay on top of what matters to them, whether big or small. "It is a small road, everyone’s been telling me it’s a small road, it’s on the side, it’s not even on the main road heading to UOG, it’s only on GW’s campus. But the little things say a lot," said Babauta.

“A lot of people only see the articles I write, the videos I post on social media — but they don’t see the background work, the meetings that I go to with senators, meeting with the lieutenant governor, all the emails I’ve sent. I’ve sent out hundreds of emails, and I’ve gotten ignored hundreds of times, and really, the big message I want this road and paving to portray is that things don’t come right away. A lot of the time, we have to accept the no, but really, it’s persistence that gets these things done.”

And as students are expected to return to the Home of the Geckos Wednesday, they could witness the project’s completion, barring any issues, according to DPW deputy director Linda Ibanez. in the meantime, the project is estimated to cost $130,000.