At just 12 years old, Maddison Cloutier-Mordue has become a trusted leader at Christ the King School in Brantford, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the safety of her fellow students on their way to and from school.

The eighth grader’s unwavering commitment and mature approach to her Patroller duties have earned her the 2026 CAA School Safety Patroller of the Year award. This award recognizes the student volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to the nearly century-old CAA School Safety Patrol® (SSP) program during the academic year.

Known for her punctuality, attentiveness and professionalism, Maddison consistently wears her patrol vest properly and confidently communicates clear safety instructions to students crossing the street. She ensures younger students wait for her signal before crossing and strictly enforces safety rules. While she reacts swiftly to any hazards, Maddison knows when to seek help, and reports unsafe situations promptly.

“Maddison approaches her role with a calm, responsible attitude that reflects her deep understanding of the importance of her job,” says Mickaela Perilli, nominator and teacher at Christ the King School. “She carefully manages busy school crossings, stays focused during her patrol shifts and serves as a trusted leader among students.”

Maddison’s strong leadership qualities and ability to remain composed under pressure have impressed staff and students.

During a hectic school dismissal combined with heavy traffic caused by a nearby event, Maddison prevented students from crossing the road when a vehicle failed to stop. Standing her ground and using clear hand signals, she ensured no one crossed until it was safe.

On another occasion, Maddison quickly intervened when a younger student got too close to the front of a stopped school bus, safely guiding the child away from potential danger.

“Maddison goes beyond helping students cross the road safely,” says Leslie Rocha, community program consultant at CAA South Central Ontario. “She embodies the true spirit of a CAA School Safety Patroller by demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork and a genuine commitment to her community. Her dedication not only helps keep school zones safer but also sets a positive example for her peers.”

In addition to her safety patrol responsibilities, Maddison maintains solid academic performance and actively participates in various extracurricular activities. She balances these commitments while continually demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and care for her school community.

About the CAA School Safety Patrol® Program

For over 95 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 12,500 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, visit www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com.