From the school principal to the bus driver, and everyone in between, the collective sentiment at Divine Infant Catholic Elementary School in Ottawa is unanimous: Liam Monero's dedication as a Bus Patroller goes above and beyond. The grade 6 student's outstanding commitment recently earned him the title of the CAA School Safety Patroller of the Year.

In his front Patroller role, Liam sets a remarkable example of leadership, guiding his peers with a combination of calmness, patience, and kindness. Plus, his comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of all Patroller positions, allows him to seamlessly transition between roles with confidence and ease. His unwavering commitment to safety protocols, whether on the bus, at school, or in the school yard, demonstrates his dedication to the well-being of all students. Punctual and conscientious, Liam approaches his bus duty with the utmost seriousness, proudly sporting his lime green vest. When problems arise on his bus, Liam manages them in a respectful manner.

"Being named the CAA School Safety Patroller of the Year is a testament to Liam’s exemplary commitment to his role,” says Kari Drue Abraham, Community Program Consultant, CAA SCO. “His dedication reflects the core values of the SSP program, where Patrollers like Liam are not only trained to prioritize safety but to understand the profound impact they have on their own lives and the lives of others.”

Teachers commend Liam's meticulous approach to bus checks, noting his exceptional attention to detail, such as inspecting beneath the bus and signaling the "all clear" to the driver before departure. With a perfect score on his Patroller exam and a deep knowledge of the handbook, he can easily recall and put into practice the skills he has acquired through the program, earning the admiration of those around him.

“Liam values not only physical safety, but also emotional safety, says Julie Gariepy-Ikeson, Liam’s teacher and nominator.

“He greets every student by name as they embark and disembark the bus and makes sure that everyone feels welcomed, safe and respected. His caring nature and calm demeanour have had a significant impact on reducing anxiety and behavioural concerns among students.”

Liam’s dedication extends to his role as a lunch monitor in the primary classes, where his patience, kindness, and reliability shine through as well as on the court where he is known for his sportsmanship on the school volleyball and basketball teams.

The CAA School Safety Patrol program is CAA’s oldest traffic safety initiative.

The CAA School Safety Patrol® program has kept students safe in school zones since the 1920’s by assisting at school crossings and on school buses. According to provincial data, approximately 1.4 million elementary school students in Ontario are commuting to and from school every day, making the CAA School Safety Patrol Program more relevant than ever.

For more details about the program, visit: www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com.