Henry B (Yr 13) has been named Kent Cadet of the year

Huge congratulations to Henry B (Yr 13) who, after being put forward by his squadron and progressing through an interview with Wing Commander Woodhouse (Kent OC), has been named Kent Cadet of the year.

The Air Training Corps is the largest part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), along with the RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

After this honour, he was then also put forward The Dacre Sword competition held by the Air Training Corps for the very best cadet in the country. He managed to reach 3^rd place in the region level competition, so was only one away from going to the national level. We are really impressed Henry, showing our school values of Respect, Excellence and Determination. Well done!  

Henry B (Yr 13) tells us all about his special award:

The Dacre Sword is the competition in the Air Training Corps for the very best cadet in the country. This would take into account the experiences and courses the cadet has been on, their attitude to the Corps and how they present themselves.

There are 3 stages in the competition: Wing level, where nominated cadets from their individual squadrons compete for 2 Wing places in an interview with the Wing Commander; Region level, where cadets compete from their wing for 2 Region places in an interview with the Regional Commander; and national level, where cadets compete for 1st and 2nd place in the competition after an interview or meeting with the head of the Air Cadets, Air Commodore Tony Keeling.

I was put forward by my squadron OC of 129 Tunbridge Wells squadron https://129sqn.org/ and was named, after an interview with Wing Commander Woodhouse (Kent OC), Kent Cadet of the year.

Last month I went to RAF Northolt (which is where London and South East Region (LaSER) HQ is located) to have an interview with Group Captain Lewis, the Regional Commander. The interview went really well and I was appointed 3^rd place, so I was just one away from going to National Level as LaSER Cadet of the Year.

Henry and the Regional Commandant LaSER - GC Lewis, at RAF Northolt with the Certificate for his commendation on being Kent Cadet of the year.

The person who gains first place wins the Dacre Sword (an RAF Ceremonial Sword) or 2nd place the ATC 75 Sword (another Ceremonial Sword), which is presented to them at RAF Cranwell.

I joined the air cadets in September 2018, and it has built my confidence, discipline, leadership, respect, life skills and many more. Through this I have been promoted to the highest rank achievable by an air cadet, Cadet Warrant Officer, which you have to be aged 18 to obtain. Various activities and qualifications I have gained include 2 BTECs, the qualification to teach, first aid training, Gold DofE and many others. 

My next steps in the Air Cadets are to complete my gliding scholarship and powered flying scholarship later this year, which would allow me to go solo. I am collecting my gold DofE award at Buckingham Palace in May and am travelling to the USA on the International Air Cadet Exchange in July.

I plan to become an airline pilot with a prestigious airline by entering into either the BA/TUI scholarships. This would enable be to be flying for a company by 2026. In the meantime, I intend to become a commissioned officer in the Air Training Corps, and develop any skills I have. The RAF is still an option for me, flying multi engine aircraft such as the P8, C17 or Wedgetail would be amazing.

The Air Cadets is probably the best organisation I could have ever decided to be a part of. The number of opportunities, experiences, life skills and people you meet you just don't get anywhere else in the world. From first aid, to shooting, to flying, to going abroad and even meeting royalty, you could ask about whether they do it and they probably will. For most, it would be the Air Training Corps that gives you your closest friends and best memories, for me it certainly is.

Brilliant Henry!  What an honour and we are all very proud of you.