Rankin Inlet (June 18/03) - The achievements of the 3019 Royal Army Cadet Corps were saluted on June 8. Parents, friends and members of the community turned out for the cadets' annual inspection held at the Department of Defense forward operating location in Rankin Inlet.

Awards: Most Improved Cadet: Pte. Beverly Innukshuk. Rookie of the Year: Cdt. Megan Klengenberg Best Attendance: Pte. Nicholas Nattar and Cpl. Marylee Anawak. Drill: Pte. Emelda Aupilardjuk. Fitness: Pte. Jonah Nakoolak Shooting Proficiency: Pte. Adam Pflueger and Cdt. Edna Hamilton. Citizenship: Pte. Kathryn Misheralak (second consecutive) Academic Achievement: Pte. Adam Pflueger. Scholastic Achievement: Cpl. Marylee Anawak. Excellent Attendance (85% or better): Pte. Emelda Aupilardjuk, Sgt. Aaron Autut, Pte. Beverly Innukshuk and Cdt. Megan Klengenberg. Promotions: To Private - Bronson Akerolik, Evelyn Angoo, Edna Hamilton, Megan Klengenberg and Ashley Sandy. To Corporal - Emelda Aupilardjuk, Beverly Innukshuk, Evan Ittinuar, Kathryn Misheralak, Jonah Nakoolak, Nicholas Nattar and Adam Pflueger. To Master Corporal - Marylee Anawak. (Awards are sponsored by various community businesses and organizations. Promotions are based on merit and achievement.)

Under the dim lights of Hangar 3 the cadets were looked over by reviewing officer James Howard, a retired United States Air Force sergeant. Howard has been in Rankin since 1995 and is a volunteer with a number of community organizations.

He expressed his honour in being asked to fill the role of reviewing officer. "You have everything to be proud of. It took a lot of dedication, organization and focus. I'm so proud of you," he told the cadets.

Some of the cadets were also honoured with awards and promotions during the hour-long ceremony.

The event marked the 15th annual cadet inspection in Rankin and civilian instructor Michele Ashby said the corps had a good year.

"We had 45 kids enrolled," she said. "We didn't have a lot of new cadets. We retained a strong group from last year."

Of that number there was a core group of 20 to 25 that she said showed up on a regular basis, which is not unusual. Through the year, Ashby said the cadets have an opportunity to participate in a number of volunteer and group activities.

"We teach them discipline, land skills. We teach them about the military and we teach them teamwork," she said.

They also learn physical fitness and have a weekly fitness day every Sunday.

The cadets still have a number of events left throughout the summer. On Friday they attended Canadian Forces Day in town.

As well, seven cadets will head to the Cadet Summer Training Centre in Whitehorse.