LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Cadets in Fort Simpson celebrated both their successes this year and the leadership of their corps in two ceremonies earlier this month.

On June 6, the 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps held its annual ceremonial review. The event included a parade and presentation of awards to the cadets.

Lieut. Diane Porter, left, Capt. Michael J. Lydon and 2nd Lieut. Steve Nicoll sign the change of command certificates for 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps of Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photos

"It's a very proud moment for me," said Lieut. Diane Porter.

"They've worked particularly hard."

The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the cadets' success, Porter said. The Fort Simpson cadets are known across the North as a force to be reckoned with, she said.

During their 2008-09 year, cadets from the village won awards in marksmanship, biathlon and skills competitions. The success is due to the hard work and dedication of both the corps' staff and the cadets, said Porter.

The corps' staff has changed slightly this year. A change of command ceremony was held on June 7, in which Porter gave command of the group to 2nd Lieut. Steve Nicoll.

Porter became involved in cadets five years ago when Lieut. John Hazenberg, who was the commanding officer at the time, encouraged her to join, "which I thank him for," she said. Porter assumed command of the corps in February 2007 when Hazenberg moved.

Porter said she's enjoyed her time working with the cadets.

"What I enjoy most of all in the program is seeing the cadets excel personally," Porter said. "I firmly believe every cadet excels in one area and here at our unit we work very hard to find their area of strength and help develop them."

For Porter the highlight of the year was the level of partnership and ownership the community developed for the corps.

"With the community's support, we excel," she said.

Porter said she's confident the corps will continue its success' under Nicoll's command.

For his part, Nicoll, a junior high teacher, said he's looking forward to the challenges and rewards that come with the position. When he joined the corps in 2007, Nicoll said he knew the commitment would require more time each week than he had been told, but he knew the rewards for the students he teaches at school would be great.

"It's been personally inspiring for me to see the success of our cadets and also their pride in that success," Nicoll said.

Cadets who received awards at the ceremony on June 6 were particularly proud of their achievements.

Pte. Ernest Tsetso received the most improved cadet award. This was Tsetso's first year in the program. The 12-year-old said he enjoys marksmanship and is looking forward to the field training exercise this month. He said he's encouraging other youth to join.

"It's fun and you get to go on trips to different places," he said.

Cpl. Jennifer Gast, 13, who won the best attendance award, said she enjoys the opportunities the corps offers to try different things.