REPULSE BAY - A total of 17 cadets earned promotions during one of the biggest cadet ceremonies of the year in Repulse Bay earlier this month.

The 3055 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) held its annual promotions night earlier than usual this year.

The event is traditionally held around Christmas time in the community, but corps leaders decided to move it up so the promoted cadets could have a full year at their higher ranks.

The biggest highlights of the night saw Kenny Sivanertok promoted to the rank of master warrant officer, becoming the only Nunavut cadet to hold that rank.

Sivanertok and Jimmy Jr. Kopak also received the Army Cadet League Medal during the ceremony.

The medal is presented to youth who have four years of service with the cadet program.

Corps commanding officer Jennifer Perry said 37 cadets signed up for this year's program in Repulse, with an average of 30 attending each meeting.

She said 30 cadets at every meeting in such a small community is a strong showing for the Repulse RCACC.

"We have our regular cadet meeting on Tuesday night, we hold shooting on Thursdays and, one Sunday per month, we hold sports or fitness activities in the gym.

"We have five signed instructors and a volunteer to help with our paperwork, so we're strong in those areas again this year."

Perry, now in her fifth year in Repulse, said one of the things that keeps cadets strong in the community is that participants don't have to pay.

She said those picked for competitive teams don't have to pay for travel, and their uniforms are also free.

"When their friends join, the other kids want to join too.

"So, that's a big thing; when anyone can be involved, whether they have money or not.

"But, also, the varied selection of activities we offer – biathlon skiing and shooting, our marksmanship program and other various sports – appeal to the interests of a wide range of kids.

"And, we finally have a strong band program this year, so we're now attracting the young musicians in town."