The sky’s the limit for Army Cadets from Ballykinler and Downpatrick as they collected prestigious awards at a formal ceremony held recently at Queen’s University Belfast. Their hard work and commitment to the Cadet movement earned them praise from Colonel Maurice Warnock, Commandant 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force who presented badges and certificates to recognize a range of achievements.
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Pictured from left, Colonel Maurice Warnock, Commandant 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, with Ballykinler Cadets, 2nd Lieutenant Sarah Ellis proudly showing her Duke of Edinburgh Gold certificate and Cadet Sergeant Sam Davison who earned both 4 Star status and the National Navigation Award Scheme qualification, both receiving congratulations from Colonel Mike Murdoch MBE, Deputy Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade.[/caption]
Congratulating the talented teenagers from the Ballykinler and Down High Cadet Detachments, Colonel Warnock said: “It is a pleasure to reward the drive and enthusiasm which lie behind this latest, impressive crop of awards. Today we recognize the Cadets’ hard work with badges and certificates, but there are long-term benefits too. Through their achievements these young people have attained maturity and qualities of leadership, teamwork and self-reliance which will stand them in good stead as they prepare for college, university and their adult life. “I congratulate not only the Cadets as they receive their awards, but also the Adult Instructors who have devoted considerable time and energy to helping ‘their’ Cadets to achieve their full potential.”
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Marking the attainment of 4 Star status and the National Navigation Award Scheme qualification is Down High School student, Cadet Sergeant Sam Leckey.[/caption]
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