The boots were polished to a mirror finish, the uniforms were crisp and pressed, and families watched with pride as the local Royal Canadian Sea Cadets #144 held its annual ceremonial review at the Emo-La Vallee arena last Wednesday night.
Eight cadets were singled out for individual achievement awards while the entire corps was inspected by Navy Lt. Eric W. Waatinen, logistics officer of the region’s cadet support unit in Winnipeg.
The review was the last meeting before the summer hiatus—and an opportunity to recognize those individuals who had made the most of their time over the past year.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Strathcona Trust Medal to CPO2 Samantha Steele. This is the highest civilian award that can be granted to a cadet in recognition of a high performance in physical and military training.
In addition, CPO2 Steele was promoted to CPO1 and will take over as coxswain from CPO1 Ryan Newman, who is leaving the corps to attend school.
CPO1 Newman also won the West End Motors Award for top cadet of the year.
Other award winners included:
•LC Austin Zin (Kentucky Fried Chicken Award for top fitness);
•AC Ryan Buckshot and LC Emmanuel Whiting (the Abitibi-Consolidated Award for perfect attendance);
•OC Ashley Jewett (Top Recruit of the Year, presented by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #99);
•OC Donald Matheson (Top Male Recruit of the Year, presented by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29); and
•AC Katelyn Nielson (Esprit de Corps Award, presented by the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #54).
In addition, PO2 Russell Taylor, who is aging out of the corps, was presented with a special award recognizing his four years of service.
The local sea cadets will resume normal activities in September.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
