HONOURS FOR LOCAL CADETS

Local teenagers Sabrina Pickering from Tobermore and Jake Dodds from Dungannon have been appointed to serve as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets.  

Sabrina who is an enthusiastic Cadet Corporal with Magherafelt’s busy Army Cadet Force Detachment will attend Mrs Alison Millar, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Londonderry, on major civic occasions and Jake who is a highly capable Cadet Corporal with the Dungannon Open Detachment Army Cadet Force will attend Mr Robert Scott OBE, Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone. 

The teenagers’ year-long, largely ceremonial, role is marked with a commemorative certificate and a special insignia to be worn on their uniforms.  

In the Citation which accompanies the honour, Sabrina is praised as an outstanding example of selfless commitment to both her local community and the Army Cadets.    

She is described as ‘an exemplary member of her detachment, working steadily through the cadet syllabus and acting as an excellent role model for all the junior cadets in her company’ and ‘a driving force for cadet recruitment, having recently completed a Public Relations and Recruitment Course which she has put to good use for the benefit of all.’

Within the Cadet movement and, more broadly, in her local community, Sabrina is committed young woman, always ready to support and mentor others. She helps as a reading tutor at Magherafelt Library, makes time to take part in her school choir, assist with the Boys’ Brigade, support the local Girls’ Friendly Society and assist with the Church of Ireland Bible Club.

Jake’s award Citation recognises him as ‘dedicated and conscientious, enthusiastic and highly committed’ and highlights his considerable achievements within the Cadet movement including being part of his company shooting team, successfully completing the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s award and taking part in a wide range of sporting events with skill and enthusiasm.

Jake is one of the few cadets in Northern Ireland currently holding the ‘Cross Flags’, the demanding Cadet 4 Star Communications & Information Systems qualification and he recently took part in Exercise Rolling Thunder, the National Cadet Signals Competition. 

Acting as section commander for B company in last year’s Tripoli Cup, Jake steered his team to victory in the March & Shoot, earning a close second place for the team and an individual award in First Aid – despite being the most junior leader in the competition.

An outstanding role model with a strong community spirit, Jake is involved with his college sound and lighting team, assisting with productions, concerts and events.  He also makes time to volunteer with his local church, helping with DIY and gardening for the elderly, assisting with coffee mornings, area clean ups and food banks.

Jake is pictured displaying his award certificate, watched by his mother, Lindsay, and by Mr Robert Scott OBE, Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone.

Sabrina is pictured with her proud mum, Sophrina, and Mrs Alison Millar, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Londonderry.  

While the ceremony to mark the conferral of her prestigious award was socially-distanced, Sabrina is already looking forward to a busy year ahead as restrictions lift.