Cadets pull hat trick on national award
Fort Simpson corp named best in North for third consecutive year
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, June 2, 2016
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Being named the best in the North is starting to become a habit for the 2860 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp.
Capt. Steve Nicoll, left, and civilian instructor Michael Athey hold up an award for top army cadet corp. - April Hudson/NNSL file photos
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The Fort Simpson corp, whose ranks swelled at one point in the past year to 42 cadets, saw the hard work and dedication of its members pay off this May as it was named the top Army Cadet Corp across all three territories for the third consecutive year.
The year's training included snowshoeing, regular air rifle ranges and sports nights, as well as field training exercises and other activities to keep members engaged.
The corp has had 11 of its cadets accepted for various summer training programs.
During the corp's annual ceremonial review on May 24, Capt. Steve Nicoll commended cadets for their work.
"The level of activity (of the corp) is a testament to our level of commitment," he said.
"2860 embodies the essence of the Army Cadets."
Thomas Simpson Secondary School principal Neil Barry served as reviewing officer for the review. Barry said it was an honour for the school to sponsor the corp and praised the number of activities Nicoll involves the youth in.
"I see the difference in the cadets, in how they behave in the schools," he said.
"If I had a hat, I would take it off to Capt. Nicoll."
He added the cadet corp serves as an educational program in and of itself.
"This is the best cadet program in all three territories and probably in all Canada, bar none," he said.
Ten members of the corp received awards during the review, including five-year recognition of service awards for cadet instructor cadre officer cadets Martha Drake and Jim Broomfield.
Sgt. Sky Lennie received the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence. Lennie will be attending a six-week leadership challenge in Rocky Mountain House this summer.
Warrant Officer William Alger received a certificate of merit and was presented the Lord Strathcona Horse medal - the highest award a cadet can receive in the corp.
Cadet Lt. Cpl. Kyra Sanguez received the Top Recruit award for the year, while cadet Lt. Cpl. Tamara Lennie won the Esprit de corps award for her enthusiasm in performing tasks.
Cadet Master Cpl. Akhildas Damodharan was given an award for Dress and Deportment, and cadet Sgt. Brent Villeneuve received an award for marksmanship.
Cadet Sgt. Delainea Anderson received the Eric Green NCO Award for her leadership skills.
Cadet Sgt. Teagan Zoe-Hardisty won the Al Anderson Memorial Award for participating in all activities, working behind the scenes and boosting the corp's morale.
