A Kelowna army cadet has set the standards for others to follow at the Vernon Cadet Training Centre.
Ava Durrell, of the 903 British Columbia Dragoons Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Kelowna, has been appointed as Cadet Master Warrant Officer, the second highest position which a staff cadet can hold at the training centre.
While this is Durrell’s first year as a staff cadet, she has attended music courses at the training centre in past summers.
She is responsible for the drill, dress, and deportment of the 1,700 course and staff cadets at the training centre this summer.
Although she is hoping to help other cadets improve their professionalism, she ultimately wants the cadets to enjoy their summer training experiences.
Durrell fell in love with the music program after joining cadets, and considers that to be one of the most exciting parts of the cadet program.
She also enjoys the leadership aspects within the program and the opportunities that the cadet program has given her to grow and develop as a leader.
“The cadet program has given me so many amazing opportunities to grow as leader and try new things and I think everyone should give it a try,” said Durrell.
More than 1,500 sea, army and air cadets are participating in summer training activities in Vernon this summer, national programs for youth ages 12 to 18 which aim to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The programs are delivered by the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces in partnership with the civilian Navy League, Army and Air Cadet Leagues of Canada.
For more information about the cadet program, visit www.cadets.ca.