Duke of Westminster honours young Cadets

Duke of Westminster honours young Cadets for Community Achievements

25 June 2008 - The UK's top cadets were praised by The Duke of Westminster as "outstanding ambassadors for their generation" at an awards ceremony today at the Cavalry and Guards Club in London to recognise the outstanding achievements of five young cadets.

Following the ceremony the winners visited 10 Downing Street and tomorrow (26 June), together with five cadet runners-up they travel to South Africa, beginning a three week expedition 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.

The prestigious Duke of Westminster Award is an annual competition organised by CVQO (The Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation) 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 pace of change in education is ever increasing," said the Duke at the ceremony. "14-19 year olds are the current target for change both in the breadth and type of education being offered. In this changing environment I am more committed than ever to support CVQO in providing opportunities for cadets. By putting my name to this award I am underpinning all that is excellent about the cadet movement and the educational opportunities that young people are taking for themselves."

This year 129 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 unit headquarters and must be enrolled in CVQO's BTEC Programme in order to be considered for the award.

"Once again we have been stunned by the exceptional quality, dedication and enthusiasm of young people in our cadet forces," commented Edward Woods, chief executive of CVQO and head of the selection panel.

The outright winner of the Duke of Westminster Award 2008 is 18 year old Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Lisa Eastlake, Dorset Army Cadet Force, who shone through as an extremely impressive young person and outstanding team player.

The four prize-winning runners-up are Cadet Flight Sergeant Adam Roberts, 1344 Cardiff Squadron Air Training Corps, winner of the Steve Kelbrick Prize for his enthusiasm and dedication to help and develop younger cadets. Cadet Company Serjeant Major James Denison, Yorkshire & North West Army Cadet Force, gained the Learning & Skills Council Prize presented for a cadet with exceptional commitment to community activities. The Brian Flattery Prize was won by Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Abiola Onike, South East London Army Cadet Force, cited for his commitment in helping young people to get off the streets of South East London. The Directors' Prize winner was Petty Officer Cadet Lisa Froment, Romsey Sea Cadet Corps, for her commitment to others both within and outside the cadet organisation.