CADET AWARDS
In order to recognize the achievements of 250 Vimy Air Cadets, a number of awards are presented at our Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR) to deserving cadets.
Recognizing Achievements
Throughout an Air Cadet’s Career, it is possible to earn Air Cadet Medals. The medals come in a storage case and can be worn on parade nights, and special occasions subject to the CO’s approval. These medals are coveted and it is a great honour for a cadet to win one of them.
250 Vimy also offers a variety of additional awards that span from community service to best junior band cadet to top instructor. The winners of these have the honour of their name being engraved on a plaque that hangs in 250 Vimy’s training hall for all to see. In addition, these awards come with a smaller take-home engraved plaque that the cadet gets to keep.
The 250 Vimy awards and medals are listed below with their criteria.
If you would like to sponsor an award, please contact [email protected]
Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal
The Strathcona Foundation was founded in 1909. Lord Strathcona, then high commissioner for Canada, in London, England, wished to improve the physical and intellectual capabilities of youths by encouraging habits of self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism. To this end, he created the foundation bearing his name.
In 1923, a medal was struck and awarded to the most deserving cadet of each corps. The medal is the highest award that can be granted to a cadet. Read more about this medal.
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION CADET MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE
This medal is given to a cadet who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and exemplifies the model cadet. This cadet is also one who is not only very involved in both mandatory and optional training at the squadron, but who has dedicated time to serving in the community. Read more about this medal.
Most Improved Cadet
For the cadet who has demonstrated a significant improvement in personal standards and squadron participation.
Award criteria:
- Minimum 90% attendance in mandatory training.
- Has no cautionary notices or written warnings on file
- Uniform marks have made an improvement over the duration of the training year
- Has shown dedication to bettering their involvement in the unit (joined a team, became more involved in unit activities, etc.)
- Participates in community based activities/complementary training (teams)
Top Junior Band Cadet
Selected as a proficient member of the band from training levels 1-3. Cadet demonstrates a high level of dedication to band, personal drill and musical abilities.
Award criteria:
- Above 95% attendance at band practices
- High enthusiasm and positivity towards musicianship
- Demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt
- Demonstrates a high level of drill, dress and deportment
- Demonstrates initiative
Top Senior Band Cadet
Selected as a proficient member of the band from training levels 4-6. Cadet demonstrates a high level of dedication to band, personal drill and musical abilities.
Award criteria:
- Above 95% attendance at band practices
- High enthusiasm and positivity towards musicianship
- Demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt
- Demonstrates a high level of drill, dress and deportment
- Consistently takes a leadership role and acts as a mentor to other band members.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
For the cadet has made an outstanding contribution to their community.
Award criteria:
- Minimum 90% attendance in mandatory training.
- Has no cautionary notices or written warnings on file
Top Uniform
Selected for the cadet who maintained the highest level of dress for the training year.
Award criteria:
- Maintained a uniform mark no lower than 90% throughout the training year
- In good standing at the unit
Top Level 1/2/3/4 (one for each level)
Cadets demonstrate excellence in dress, deportment, attendance, overall attitude, willingness to learn, participates in different aspects of the cadet program, and completion of the assigned tests/activities.
Award criteria:
- Above 80% on uniform inspections
- Have no cautionary notices or written warnings on file
- Above 90% attendance
- Completed all assessments with a minimum of “completed without difficulty”
- A positive addition to the classroom environment
- Exhibits a positive attitude
- Participates in community based activities/complementary training (teams)
Most Outstanding Cadet
Award criteria:
- Minimum of 90% on uniform inspections
- Minimum 90% attendance
- Shows exemplary leadership skills
- Acts as a model cadet for others to follow
- Be in good standing in the squadron
- Be in good standing in the squadron
Top Marksmanship
Selected for consistently performing at a high level in their marksmanship ability during the training year.
Award criteria:
- Has achieved overall top scores in the unit on application targets
- Has show improvement and consistency in scores over the duration of the training year
- Is a member of the marksmanship team
- Shows leadership skills while on the range
- Volunteers to support the set up/tear down, coaching, and other tasks required
- Acts as a model marksman for others to follow and look up to
- Follows all safety precautions
- Minimum of 90% attendance at range practices
Most Improved Marksman
Selected for demonstrating the most improvement in their marksmanship ability during the training year.
Award criteria:
- Has shown an improvement in shooting scores over the duration of the training year.
- Minimum of 90% attendance at range practices
Top Drill Team Member
Selected for their high level of drill, dress, deportment, and dedication to the drill team.
Award criteria:
- Minimum 90% attendance at drill team practices
- Demonstrates a dedication to a high standard of drill, dress and deportment at all drill team events
- Selected by the members of the Drill team
250 Vimy Spirit Award
Selected by the staff for consistently demonstrating dedication, enthusiasm, and esprit de corps. Their morale is passed along to the other cadets and generates a true team atmosphere and sense of pride within the unit.
Award criteria:
- Minimum 70% attendance
- Demonstrates a high level of enthusiasm for all events
- Demonstrates dedication to the squadron by participating in community based activities/complementary activities
- Demonstrates a high level of personal morale even during stressful events
- Be in good standing in the squadron
Top Cadet Instructor
Award criteria:
- Minimum 90% attendance
- Created visual aids to support their instruction
- Maintained classroom control and/or sought support when needed
- Sought support in enhancing their own instructional abilities
- Supported their peers in instruction
- Maintains a sense of professionalism when instructing
Sportsmanship Award
Selected for consistently demonstrating sportsmanship skills while participating in physical training and activities.
Award criteria:
- Participates in unit sports activities
- Participates in RDA activities
- Demonstrates good sportsmanship skills when participating in sports activities
- Encourages peers to demonstrate good sportsmanship