TRURO – A humble Reagan Mills reflects on his fellow cadets as he explains what it means to receive one of the corps' top honours.
The second-year member of the 2928 Colchester Legion Branch 26 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps was named best all around cadet Sunday during its 36th annual review on Sunday.
"There are a lot of great people here in this corps," MCpl Mills said following the ceremony. "There's only one of those awarded in the entire year, so it's definitely special."
MWO Brittanee Steeves received the Lord Strathcona Medal while WO Wendy Castein was presented the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence.
Members of the corps put on a show yesterday for invited guests, legion members, family and friends. The precision of their turns while marching around the legion auditorium and knowledge is a testament to the youth's dedication and hard work during the year.
The ceremony brought back memories for Truro Fire Chief Blois Currie who joined 2610 Royal Canadian Army Cadets when he was 12 years old while growing up in Sheet Harbour.
"I think it's incredible for a bunch of young kids to get together like that and be in sync ... it just looks like one unit moving at one time," he said.
The corps' accomplishments are held in high regard across the province, having seven senior members pass the national star certification exam.
"It's competitive and the fact this corps has taken almost 25 per cent of the entire province's worth of the gold star candidates is absolutely remarkable," said captain Joe Bentley, area cadet officer.
He said only 40 per cent pass the exam.
Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong served as the reviewing officer.
"I try to put myself in their shoes. This is a big day for them, and I know they are extremely nervous," he said afterwards. "I try to say a couple of things like how well they're doing and put them at ease."
