As the school year winds down and thoughts turn to summer, it’s easy to let things like road safety slip for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
That’s where Winnipeg’s more than 7,000 school safety patrols step in, helping classmates stay on track getting to and from school safely, every day. One of those patrols is Cassidy Jacyk. This year, she was named Winnipeg’s Top School Patrol Captain.
Cassidy, a Grade 6 student at Inkster School, was featured on CTV Morning Live on June 13. You can watch the clip here.
Meet Cassidy Jacyk – 2024–25 Louise Staples Award Winner
Presented annually by Manitoba Public Insurance, the Louise Staples Award recognizes one outstanding student patrol captain who demonstrates leadership, commitment to safety, and dedication to community.
Cassidy has shown all of that and more throughout her three years in the program at Inkster School. Inspired by her older sister and the long-standing patrol tradition at her school, Cassidy jumped in early and never looked back.
Over the years, she has:
- Trained new patrols and led by example
- Maintained the squad bulletin board and organized supplies
- Proposed a sharing circle to help improve team performance
- Baked and delivered holiday cookies for every member of the team
On post at busy intersections like Inkster and McGregor, Cassidy is calm and focused. She makes safety the priority, models respectful behaviour, and knows when to seek adult guidance if a situation gets tricky.
A Culture of Safety and Service
Cassidy’s award is a personal achievement, but it’s also a reflection of the strong safety culture at Inkster School. Their patrol team placed 2nd overall in their division this year, a testament to the care and commitment shared by staff and students alike.
About the Louise Staples Award
Louise Staples was a Winnipeg teacher who helped pioneer the school patrol program in 1936, organizing the city’s first patrol squad at Greenway School. She later established the annual trophy in her name, awarded to a top captain in Winnipeg each year.
Today, the award is open to all elementary schools in the greater Winnipeg area. Nominees are reviewed by the Winnipeg Police Service School Engagement Section, who assess leadership, professionalism, and commitment to safety.
Thank You, Cassidy — and Thank You, Patrols
We’re proud to honour Cassidy and all student patrols who take on this important role. Your work matters, and it makes our communities safer.
Special thanks to our program partners: CAA Manitoba, Manitoba Public Insurance, and True North Sports + Entertainment.