The skirl of the pipes and the thunder of parade boots could be heard during the 3064 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 26th annual ceremonial review.
Reviewing officer Major Rick Lewis OMM, OSt.J, CD, AdeC of Prince George gave an encouraging speech to the cadets and presented a number of awards during the ceremonies held in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 hall, May 11.
Major Lewis was joined by outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Mary Crawford CD, Legion representative Vivian McNeil, and 3064 Sponsoring Committee president Crystal Sheridan.
After the inspection cadets trophies and medals for achievement were awarded as follows:
Top Green Star (first year): Cpl. Kiersten Sheridan.
Top Red Star (second year): M/Cpl. Angelica Hyde.
Top Silver Star (third year): M/Cpl. Chance Ward.
Top Gold Star (fourth year): WO Michael Bailey.
Most Improved Cadet: M/Cpl. Chance Ward.
Marksmanship: WO Michael Bailey.
Best Dressed Cadet: M/Cpl. Angelica Hyde.
Attendance: WO Michael Bailey.
Eric Rowe Memorial Award: WO Kaitlin Lebrun.
Volunteer of the Year: M/Cpl Andrew Dyck.
Lord Strathcona Medal: WO Kaitlin Lebrun
Following the awards, Capt. Mary Crawford turned over command to Lieutenant William Sheridan who will lead the army cadets until May 2019.
Sheridan said his priorities were recruitment for the corps and co-operating with other cadet units to give all cadets the best learning opportunities.
The review was finalized with a reception with refreshments and static displays showcasing the training youth in the army cadet program receive.
The corps will tie up their training season June 8. In July selected cadets will travel to training centres across Canada.
Army cadets learn a wide variety of outdoor skills such as: using a map and compass, GPS technology, orienteering, first-aid, camping and survival skills, canoeing, abseiling (rope rappel), trekking, mountain biking, marksmanship and more.
Cadets participate in ceremonial military events, volunteer in their communities and learn leadership skills. As they gain experience some cadets will be selected for parachuting, white-water rafting and glacier climbing.
Each year some of the top cadets in Canada are chosen to participate in high-level national and international expeditions and exchanges to countries such as England, Australia and Germany.
For more information on Royal Canadian Army Cadets check out their website at www.cadets.ca/en/what-cadets-do/army.