Down Cadets Excel In Their Achievements

Down’s Star Performers. 

County Down Cadets have turned into star performances to earn prestigious certificates of achievement, presented recently by Gillian Bingham, High Sheriff of County Antrim.

In addition to three talented teens earning Cadet 4 Star Awards, conferred in recognition of outstanding achievement and commitment within the Cadet movement, two local teenagers – Alexander Lane and Charlie Griffith, both from Ballygowan Detachment – earned recognition as ‘Master Cadets’.

A sheaf of awards mark success, as High Sheriff of Antrim Gillian Bingham (left), watched by Colonel Sam McCammond (right) present certificates of achievement to (kneeling, from left) new ‘Master Cadets’, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Alexander Lane and Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Charlie Griffith.  Back row, from left, are 4 Star Cadets, Cadet Sergeants Toni Walker from Killyleagh and Dean Elias from Banbridge, with Cadet Corporal Johnny Erskine from Down High and Cadet Sergeant Jordon Whiteside from Banbridge.

Master Cadets must successfully complete a demanding course designed to broaden and develop further the leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities of senior Cadets who have already attained the prestigious 4-star Army Proficiency Certificate.

Congratulating the young people, Colonel Sam McCammond, Commandant of the 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, said: “We are delighted to see the enthusiasm and commitment of our Cadets recognised with the achievement of these latest accolades. We are enormously proud of them and, indeed, they are each a credit not only to their Detachments, but also to their families, schools and the wider community.

“At a time when society tends to be quick to find fault with the younger generation, these young people are demonstrating great qualities and it is an absolute pleasure to see them reap the rewards of their hard work and sense of purpose.

“The Cadet movement famously offers its members great fun and camaraderie but, as these youthful high achievers demonstrate, it also opens the door for significant personal development.  The awards which these Cadets, drawn from Detachments at Down High School, Banbridge, Ballygowan and Killyleagh, collect today celebrate their progress and give our Cadets something truly significant to put on their Personal Statements as they prepare for college or apply for their first jobs. I congratulate them – and the Adult Leaders who inspire and instruct them.”

Related link:

‘Get A Life’ Call To County Down Teens