At the outset of each school year, while many are preoccupied with books, new clothes, and shoes, Suzanne Tremblay is busy connecting with past and potential CAA School Safety Patrollers. Her goal? To get the CAA School Safety Patrol program at École élémentaire des Quatre-Rivières, in Orangeville up and running right away.

In recognition of her exceptional commitment to the program, Tremblay was recently named the CAA Patrol Supervisor of the Year. Patrol Supervisors are typically teachers who manage the CAA School Safety Patrol program at their schools, and they act as a coach to help Patrollers flourish in their roles.

Every year, Tremblay goes class to class presenting about the program to recruit student Patrollers. She trains them, checks in with them monthly to answer questions and address concerns and continuously motivates them to take pride in their role. She is always on hand for bus duty, ensuring the safety of Patrollers and the entire school community and actively seeks to broaden student roles as ambassadors by involving them in various school activities. This includes assisting with neighborhood field trips and supporting younger children in outdoor activities.

In addition, Tremblay implemented a new system in the school parking lot to enhance student safety during drop-offs and pick-ups.

"Suzanne’s unwavering dedication to safety, both within the school and the community, is truly commendable,” says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO. “Her proactive involvement with students and focus on safety procedures have played a crucial role in fostering a deep sense of responsibility among our Patrollers.”

Tremblay’s impact extends beyond her work as the Patrol Supervisor; she embraces the responsibilities of mentor, coach, and friend to the students. Whether coaching volleyball and soccer or providing overnight supervision during field trips, her dedication to supporting the students knows no bounds.

"Suzanne devotes all her time to the students,” says Helene Madden, Teacher and nominator. “Whether it's an early 6:00 a.m. start or a late 7:00 p.m. return, she is always willing to give her time. She considers herself blessed to have a career where she can truly make a difference for kids."

Tremblay received a personalized trophy and a free one-year CAA Membership. In addition, her school received $1,000 to use towards the CAA School Safety Patrol® program.

About the CAA School Safety Patrol Program

For over 90 years, the CAA School Safety Patrol® program has advocated for the safety of children on their way to and from school and in school zones. It is a joint effort between CAA, the police, school boards, teachers, busing consortia, parents, and approximately 11,500 dedicated student volunteers. Approximately 1.4 million elementary school students in Ontario commute to and from school daily, making the CAA School Safety Patrol Program more relevant than ever.

For more information about the program, and how to ensure safer school zones for everyone, visit www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com.