When it comes to student safety, Catherine Lee stands out not just as a supervisor, but as a true champion for leadership, responsibility and vigilance. Named the 2026 CAA School Safety Patrol (SSP) Supervisor of the Year, Lee’s dedication over the past three years at Stilecroft Public School in North York has reshaped the school’s SSP program into a vibrant, effective force that keeps students safe while inspiring them to become leaders themselves.

“Catherine has empowered student Patrollers to grow in confidence, embrace responsibility and sharpen their decision-making skills,” says Karamjit Walia, nominator and fellow Stilecroft teacher. Through her peer mentorship approach, Lee has not only ensured the continued success of the SSP program, but has also “elevated it into a respected, vital pillar of our school community,” Walia says.

From potential hazards on busy streets to the exact protocol for pedestrian crossings and bus loading zones, Lee has a strong grasp of the traffic flow around the school and applies this awareness to train students.

“She doesn’t just tell students what to do. She coaches them on why every rule matters and how to adjust to real-world risks,” says Walia.

Lee’s leadership was especially evident during a period of increased traffic congestion in the parking lot during pick-up times. She first acted quickly to rethink patrol placements and procedures to keep everyone safe. Then, she followed up by providing extra training to Patrollers, personally monitoring high-risk areas and working closely with school administrators and safety supervisors to change supervision zones in the lot. Her proactive actions ensured continued student safety and boosted the Patrollers’ confidence in managing similarly complex situations.

“Catherine exemplifies what makes a CAA School Safety Patroller truly successful,” says Leslie Rocha, community program consultant at CAA SCO. “She goes beyond enforcing rules to foster trust, empowerment and lifelong skills in students. By nurturing leadership, responsibility, teamwork and service, she creates an environment where students feel confident and prepared to take ownership of their roles.”

In recognition of her dedication to the program, Lee received a cheque for $1,000 to be used towards the school’s CAA School Safety Patrol program, a free one-year CAA Membership and a plaque of recognition.

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.