YORKTON — Students from Yorkton were were recognized for their leadership in keeping classmates safe during the City of Yorkton’s annual CAA School Safety Patrol Installation Ceremony.
Mayor Aaron Kienle attended the ceremony, along with representatives from the RCMP, Fire Protective Services, Community Safety Officers and the City’s Protective Services Committee.
The students took part in a pledge and received recognition for their contributions to community safety.
Quinn Hayter, principal of St. Paul’s School and a member of Yorkton City Council, said the program gives students a chance to learn responsibility while playing a hands-on role in community safety.
“Our patrollers are out there every day after school, whether it’s sunny, raining, or forty below, making sure students get across the street safely,” he said. “Even when drivers are following speed limits, it can still be dangerous — so what these kids do is incredibly valuable.”
He added that the ceremonies also serve as a way to inspire youth to consider careers in public service.
“We’ve got first responders here today and our bylaw officer, Nicole Baptiste, mentioned that maybe some of these students will grow up to be RCMP, EMTs, or firefighters,” Hayter said. “The earlier you learn these lessons, the longer they stick with you.”
The installation ceremony was first introduced in 2022 after St. Paul’s Grade 6 Safety Patrollers presented to City Council about the importance of their role.
Since then, the City’s Protective Services Committee and Administration have partnered with local schools to honour the young volunteers each fall.
The program is supported by the SGI/ABI Community Grants Program, which provides thank-you gifts for students and teachers and by CAA Saskatchewan, which supplies safety vests, stop paddles and training materials.
“CAA School Safety Patrollers play an important role in protecting classmates, showing what it means to be a leader and creating safer school zones,” CAA Saskatchewan said. “Patrolling isn’t always easy. It means showing up to your job ready, staying focused and being dependable, especially when the weather is cold or hot. Every time you put on your vest and pick up your stop paddle, you’re making a real difference. You’re helping your community, setting a positive example and keeping your classmates safe on their journey to and from school.”
City officials say the recognition helps encourage civic pride and safety awareness among youth, while highlighting Yorkton’s continued collaboration with schools and community partners.
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