The UK’s top cadets have been praised as outstanding ambassadors for their generation. Five cadets received prizes at the Duke of Westminster Award Ceremony luncheon yesterday at the Royal Air Force Club in London.
Organised by CVQO, the prestigious Duke of Westminster Award is an annual competition to recognise the most outstanding cadet from four cadet forces: the Combined Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps.
The Duke of Westminster, hosting the event, said, “It is always a delight to hear of young people, from all walks of life and all geographic areas, making a real contribution to society while enriching their own lives and prospects for the future. It has been a pleasure to host this event and meet such worthy winners.”
This year 200 cadets from across the UK were nominated for the award as individuals who possess a wide range of skills and abilities, which they have demonstrated through a consistently high level of commitment and achievement. Cadets are nominated by their cadet headquarters and must be enrolled in CVQO’s BTEC Programme in order to be considered for the award.
“This year was particularly tough in choosing our five prize winners, due to such high standards at the selection event. However, the cadets today have consistently demonstrated an exceptional contribution to society and to cadets,” commented Edward Woods, Chief Executive of CVQO and head of the selection panel. “Each and every one of them is a credit to their family and their unit, and I offer them my congratulations.”
The outright winner of the Duke of Westminster Award 2010 is Cadet Under Officer Rachel Tresman, of Surrey Army Cadet Force. The four prize-winning runners-up are Petty Officer Cadet Beverley Marriette of Huyton with Roby Sea Cadet Corps, winner of the Directors’ Prize for her achievements within the SCC and her local community; Cadet Company Sergeant Major Alan Pearson of Durham Army Cadet Force, winner of the Young People’s Learning Agency Prize for the work he does in the community both for the ACF and his school; Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Nicolas Kernick of Oundle School Combined Cadet Force, winner of the Brian Flattery Prize for exceptional leadership qualities and his caring manner towards younger cadets, and Instructor Cadet Warrant Officer Gilberto Algar-Faria of 48F (Hampstead) Sqn Air Training Corps, winner of the Edexcel Prize for his infectious enthusiasm, his maturity and leadership.
Following the presentation the five winners visited 10 Downing Street. On 16th July with four further runners-up, they depart for a three week expedition to South Africa where they will undertake an environmental awareness course in Kwa Zulu Natal and a cultural project working with and teaching orphaned children. In addition they will visit Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana and take part in a walking safari.
By coincidence, yesterday was also VQ Day, an annual national celebration of vocational qualifications and alternative education.