PAGE A10 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Greg Lawrence, MLA Moose Jaw Wakamow 404B Lillooet Street West
greglawrencemla@sasktel.net 306-694-1001
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Local Sea Cadet Wins the Navy League Medal of Excellence
Lawernce, Budget, Full Banner Ad, May 9, 2018.indd 1
5/9/2018 11:36:38 AM
by Janet Kilgannon for Moose Jaw Express
What better way to end a career as a Sea Cadet than winning the National Navy League Medal of Excellence Award? Local high school student (and new grad) Alexis Valgardsson must surely be smiling. “I enrolled in the Navy League program when I was eight years old. My mother felt it would be a very enriching educational experience, to teach me discipline, along with my music and dance studies. It would make me a well-rounded individual.�
“It has been a privilege and an honour being part of this program ... I would encourage every child to check out the cadet program. They have so much to offer, and whether army, air or sea, there is a place for everyone.�
- Alexis Valgardsson
“I have been a cadet for the past ten years. The first four years were in the Navy League, until I reached the age of
The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, visits the cadets.
Alexis in the bridge of the ship off the coast of British Columbia.
twelve. Then I moved to Sea Cadets.� Alexis has had wonderful opportunities, and many memorable moments. “My favourites include participating in two Royal family visits, where I met Prince Charles and Camilla, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. As well, for the past five years, I was chosen to attend summer training on HMCS Quadra, in British
Columbia. Here I achieved my first aid, whaler coxswain, boating license, and radio license. This past summer I was chosen to instruct other cadets in completing their boating licenses.� Alexis’ absolute favourite experience was going on an Orca deployment for 10 days this past October, on the West Coast. “I learned how to do proper man overboard
Alexis meets the prince.
Petty Officer Second Class Alexis chats with one of the dignitaries.
drills, how to handle fires on board, emergency engine stirring and getting to be at the helm. I also met cadets from all over Canada and made friendships that will last a lifetime.� In her final year, she has won the Medal of Excellence, presented annually to the most proficient Royal Sea Cadets within each division. She met all the criteria - attend more than 80% of activities, achieved the rank of Petty Officer second class, consistently set an outstanding personal example of dress and deportment, demonstrate a thorough grasp of cadet training through promotions, examinations and previous awards, and demonstrating good citizenship through community service activities. She has made her family and her local Navy League very proud. Alexis maintains her humility. “It has been a privilege and an honour being part of this program. I have met great instructors and made many great friends, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. I would encourage every child to check out the cadet program. They have so much to offer, and whether army, air or sea, there is a place for everyone.�
With local leader Nicole Kutsak.
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