The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) awarded Rachelle Larche from Crossroads Truck and Career Academy the Instructor of the Year award during its annual conference in Brampton, Ont., April 10.
The association also honored Yvette Lagrois with the Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized Kristy Soares, Shea Merriman, and Shelley Walker with TTSAO Meritorious Service awards.
The Instructor of the Year honor recognizes truck driving instructors who demonstrate excellence in training, mentorship, and commitment to the trucking industry. Bryon Wiebold, a member of the industry relations team at Tenstreet, presented Larche with the award and highlighted Larche’s dedication to student success and her advocacy for the Know Human Trafficking campaign before announcing her as the winner.
“She takes great pride in pulling the Know Human Trafficking wrap trailer, using her platform to raise awareness about this critical issue. Her commitment to the cause reflects her deep sense of responsibility, not just as an instructor, but as a leader within the trucking industry, ensuring that drivers are informed and empowered to recognize and report signs of human trafficking,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Larche said she takes pride in training the next generation of truck drivers.
“I truly love what I do, helping students succeed, watching them grow in confidence and skill. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job. For many of the individuals who come through our doors, it’s not just about getting a licence, it’s about the last chance for their lives to find purpose and build a better future. To be part of that transformation, to help them become safe, competent and knowledgeable drivers, it’s a privilege,” she said. “This award isn’t just mine. It belongs to every student and instructor who trusted me to guide them…I’ll keep doing my best to live up to one student and one success at a time.”
Lifetime Achievement, Meritorious Service awards
The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Lagrois, TTSAO’s past chairwoman and president of Ontario Truck Training Academy, who has been involved with the association for more than 20 years.
Meanwhile, awards for Meritorious Service were presented to: Walker, CEO of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada; Soares, director of operations at Transport Driver Training school; and Merriman, director of operations at Crossroads Truck and Career Academy.
“An organization like this is important, but it’s just not the board of directors that make everything happen, [it’s also] the people behind everything… [These] three people go way above and beyond,” said Jeff McKay of Transport Driver Training while giving the awards to the recipients. “Without them, this probably wouldn’t have happened the way it did today…I’m proud to give them these awards.”