Elizabeth Township junior commissioner has new sign in place

Lily Racunas coordinated the effort for the welcome/exit sign placed near the Boston Bridge.

Elizabeth Township Junior Commissioner Lily Racunas has completed a new sign for the area.

During the four years the junior commissioner program has been around, several sign projects have been completed throughout the township.

“I selected this project because I thought the existing signage was good, but it could be updated,” Racunas said. “I also thought that it would be good for all of the signs in the township to have consistency.”

The program provides rising Elizabeth Forward seniors the opportunity to involve themselves in local government as they complete projects and assist commissioners for one year.

The sign, which has welcome and exit sides, is near the Boston Bridge entrance to the township. It was made with .08 aluminum and reflective material, both sides are 72 inches wide and 48 inches high and each side cost $550.

Racunas has been working since the summer with the Rotary Club of Elizabeth, the Central Elizabeth Township Lions Club, the board of commissioners, public works and area printing/design company Squibb-It, LLC.

She secured funding needed to bring the project to life and collaborated with Squibb-It to make sure every detail was planned through.

Throughout the months working on this project, she got input from everyone involved during and outside of commissioners meetings to make sure the sign came to life.

One side reads “Elizabeth Township Welcomes You,” and the other side states “Thanks for Visiting Elizabeth Township.”

“I enjoyed doing the project,” Racunas said. “I like to design different things. I appreciated the input from the board, the Lions Club, the Rotary and the rest of the public. I appreciated their feedback, and I finished at the beginning of November when (commissioners) chose the final design.”

Racunas is a four-year varsity cheerleader at Elizabeth Forward High School, has served on student government/National Honor Society and plans to pursue a degree in biology or chemistry after high school. Her brother, Nathan Racunas, was also a junior commissioner, and did a sign project as well.

“I would encourage other EFHS students to participate in this program,” Racunas added. “I have enjoyed it a lot.”

With two other junior commissioners this year, Commissioner Chris Thoma said the program has been a “fantastic addition” and asset to the community — completing several projects for very little funds.

“Over the years, we’ve had six outstanding junior commissioners — each contributing meaningful projects that have made a real difference for our residents,” he added. “Their leadership, creativity, and dedication have left a lasting positive impact on our community — one we’re proud of and grateful for.”

Thoma, who is in charge of the junior commissioner program, said the township is proud to recognize Racunas for her efforts and her “outstanding leadership.”

“The Elizabeth Township Commissioners could not be more proud of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork Lily brought to this project,” Thoma said. “She has shown that by working together, we can make a lasting, positive impact on our community. Great job, Lily! Your efforts will be appreciated by residents and visitors for years to come!”