Promoting AST is principal priority

Principal Yvonne Benyo has made promoting active school travel (AST) a top priority at St. Alexander CS in Fonthill. It all started as a way to increase parking lot safety because so many students were being driven to school. After organizing an initial meeting with municipal, public health and student transportation staff as well as community volunteers, Ms Benyo launched a “Taking Your Green Route” campaign.

She got the school board to install new signage and pavement markings in the parking lot, organized a campaign launch event, formed a team of students to promote AST, championed monthly Footloose Friday events and secured new bike racks for the school. 

 “Yvonne’s enthusiasm is amazing,” says Joanne Germano with the School Health Program at Niagara Region. “She has used music, designed t-shirts for the AST team, and convinced a local grocery store to donate apples to be handed out at events. All in all, a very positive experience.”