CO Down Cadets have turned in star performances to earn prestigious certificates of achievement.
Three talented teenagers earned Cadet Four Star Awards, conferred in recognition of outstanding achievement and commitment within the Cadet movement.
Two more young people — Alexander Lane and Charlie Griffith, both from Ballygowan Detachment — earned recognition as Master Cadets. Master Cadets must successfully complete a demanding course designed to broaden and develop further the leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities of senior Cadets who have already attained the prestigious Four Star Army Proficiency Certificate.
The certificates were presented recently by Gillian Bingham, High Sheriff of County Antrim.
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.”
Col McCammond said the Cadet movement offers its members “great fun and camaraderie” and also “opens the door for significant personal development.”
He continued: The awards which these Cadets, drawn from detachments at Down High School, Banbridge, Ballygowan and Killyleagh, collect today celebrate their progress and give our Cadets 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.”