REWARDS FOR STAR PERFORMERS IN 2ND (NI) BATTALION ACF

Cadets from 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force have turned in star performances to earn prestigious certificates of achievement, presented recently by Gillian Bingham, High Sheriff of County Antrim.

In addition to 22 talented teens earning Cadet 4 Star Awards, conferred in recognition of outstanding achievement and commitment within the Cadet movement, one cadet earned her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and 5 were recognised as ‘Master Cadets’.

The Master Cadet Course is designed to broaden and develop further the leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities of 4-star Cadets, helping them to make better use of their abilities.

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 our cadets have collected today celebrate their progress and give them 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.”

Pictured above:  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.

Pictured below: For the Comber Detachment Army Cadet Force there was a sheaf of awards, as High Sheriff of Antrim Gillian Bingham (left), watched by Colonel Sam McCammond (right) presented certificates of achievement to (from left) Cadet Sergeant Lorna Ross who earned her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award; Cadet Staff Sergeant Matthew Dines who earned the 4 Star Army Proficiency Certificate and Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Joel Hillis who became a Master Cadet.  



Pictured below: The Newtownards Detachment Army Cadet Force was celebrating three 4 Star awards – to Cadet Staff Sergeants Ollie Cunningham, Fern Geddis and Caleb Cairns.

Pictured below:  High Sheriff of Antrim Gillian Bingham and Colonel Sam McCammond are pictured congratulating (left) Cadet Staff Sergeant Robert Orr and Cadet Company Sergeant Major Ryan McMaster whose current accolades include serving as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the City of Belfast.