Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corp Napanee perform a march past at the start of the 53rd Annual Review, held June 8 at Selby Hall. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Napanee wrapped up a year like no other on June 8 with their 53rd Annual Review.
The ceremony was held at the Selby Community Hall, which served as the home for the corps following the loss of their long-time base at the York Street arena. Just as they’ve done in in the seven months following the fire, the Cadets adapted and were able to put on a proper ceremony, complete with an inspection and march past.
Brigadier-General Dominique Brais served as reviewing officer, inspecting the Cadets to ensure they were in proper dress and exhibited the correct form.
Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp Napanee stands at attention. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“It’s clear to me that you’ve dedicated time and effort throughout this year to culminate with today’s parade,” Brais told the Cadets. “You should be immensely proud. There’s a synergy between the Cadet program and the community. The program develops an important foundation in our young people, which in turn helps strengthen our community.”
Brais made the trip from Ottawa to attend the Review. Though not from the area, she had heard many stories of the perseverance this group showed following the Oct. 23 fire that levelled the arena that they had used for their training.
“Earlier this year you demonstrated remarkable strength and resiliency when you faced the devastating fire that resulted in the loss of your building,” she said. “Despite the significant setback, you’ve shown unwavering determination to continue with your activities and support one another. Even with a loss of equipment and access to a range, you elevated your efforts, demonstrating your ability to maintain momentum and participate in the zone marksmanship competition. You should be very proud.”
Commanding Officer Lt. (N) Andy Ashworth noted the year began with optimism of turning a page after the difficult pandemic years.
“Last year I said that 2022-23 had been no ordinary year. (The year) 2024 said, watch this,” said Ashworth. “Prior to Oct. 23, our focus was on training. After the 23rd we focused on recovering what we could from the fire, finding a new home and of course, training. The support we received from the fire department and the Town of Napanee allowed us to continue operating. We lost one week of training. Just one week. That wasn’t because we didn’t have anywhere to train. It was because we were all exhausted.”
Despite the loss of equipment and a training facility, the local Cadets were still able to be a part of the Napanee, Deseronto and Bath Remembrance Day ceremonies as well as taking part in local Christmas parades. All that less than two months after the fire.
The back of the York Street arena following the Oct. 23 fire that destroyed the home of the Napanee Sea Cadets. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Ashworth credited the Navy League, parents and local businesses for supporting them through a difficult yet rewarding year.
“The program is structured in such a way that they do the work, not me,” Ashworth said of the Cadets. “The officers are here to help. The Cadets run the program and by in large they do an amazing job. This experience will help strengthen their resumes, support scholarships and better equip them for the real world.”
The gathering was also an opportunity to recognize some of the many accomplishments of the Cadets.
Phoenix Esprit De Corps Award (a new award given to a Cadet that helps to raise morale) and Top Junior Marksman (14 and under) went to Master Cadet Riley Gilbert.
Top Senior Marksman (15 and over) and Marksman of the Year was Leading Cadet Reilly Consack
Most Improved Cadet was Petty Officer 1st Class Josh Blois. Top Junior Cadet was Leading Cadet Duncan Milligan. Top Senior Cadet was Petty Officer 1st Class Josh Blois.
Brigadier-General D.N. Dominique Brais, the ceremony’s reviewing officer, presents the Cadet of the Year Award to CPO2 Thalia Doolan. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
The Cadet of the Year went to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Thalia Doolan.
Sub-Lt. Tammy Bradshaw was also presented with a clasp to her Canadian Forces Decoration to mark 22 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, all of which has been supporting the Sea Cadets in Napanee.
The program will now take a break for the summer and return in the fall.
To learn more about what they offer, visit RCSCC Napanee on Facebook.
