The Westport Waterfront Development Project will soon be adding four new streets to Westport.  Reaching out to the lively imaginations of the young people in the neighborhood, Turner Development Group turned over the creative challenge of naming these new streets to the students of Westport Academy, (pre-K through 8th grade), by holding a school-wide Street Naming Contest during the Spring of 2008.

Winning names were selected based on originality, creativity and a reflection of neighborhood spirit. Each winner took home a $150 VISA gift card and a Street Naming Certificate with congratulations for becoming a part of Westport’s permanent history.

Four winning names were chosen:  Carr Lowrey Way, Green Port Street, Middle Branch Avenue, and Prosper Street.

Entries ranged from the wistful -- Caring Circle, Do Not Be Discouraged Street, Don’t Walk in the Crosswalks Avenue -- to the close at hand -- Math Avenue, Book Street, Education Lane.  From positive thinking -- Success Avenue, Growth Avenue, Knowledge Street -- to the rather less enthused -- Obtuse Avenue, Questions Street.  From social causes -- Tobacco Free Street, Safety Street, Drug Free Lane -- to pop culture favorites -- High School Musical Avenue, Hanna Montana Street, Blues Clues Lane.

Almost all of the students suggested a street named after themselves. Many recommended naming a street after their teacher as well.

Deontray Conyers, 6^th grade, (left) thought of Carr Lowrey Way. Even though he’s only lived in Westport for three years, Deontray has heard people talk about the old Carr Lowrey factory and knew it was a part of Westport’s history.

Essence Cammon, pre-K, (right) decided on Green Port Street because green is her favorite color.  Essence liked the idea of spending her winnings on a backyard swimming pool.

Lauren Hill, 5^th grade, suggested Middle Branch Avenue after thinking about all of the other street names in Westport, as well as what names should have been there, but weren’t.  “I am very proud,” Lauren said.  “Now I can say I was a part of Baltimore history.” Lauren planned to spend her prize money on a Father’s Day gift.

Raneir Schefield, 8^th grade, thought of Prosper Street, a name she believes is a reflection of neighborhood spirit in Westport. Raneir graduated from Westport Academy this year and will be starting high school next year, so she is happy to have $150 to spend on new clothes to wear to her new school.

Carr Lowrey Way, Green Port Street, Middle Branch Avenue, and Prosper Street don’t exist yet. But they will soon become a part of the Baltimore streetscape as the Westport Waterfront Development project takes shape. When the time comes to ‘cut the ribbon,’ Deontray, Essence, Lauren and Raneir, along with their families, will be invited to take part in the event.

[Return to the Westport Academy page.]