Cadet Warrant Officer (C/WO) Makenna Gregorchuk from the 2963 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) out of Sechelt has been honoured with a very prestigious award. Makenna received the Major-General W.A. Howard Medal – which is awarded annually to only 13 out of the approximately 18,000 cadets in Canada – at a ceremony on Dec. 3.
“At first it felt unreal but now – like when my grandparents tell their friends or something – I feel like it makes it more real,” Makenna said. “When I got the medal it felt amazing. To be able to say that I’m the top cadet in B.C., it’s incredible.”
This medal is awarded to a cadet in each province and territory who has achieved the highest results in the fourth-year Gold Star training level.
Capt. Shiloh Gregorchuk – Commanding Officer of the 2963 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, and Makenna’s father – said he is very proud of his daughter. “It’s huge – out of 18,000 cadets across Canada, she placed in the top 13,” Gregorchuk said. “When you look at the number of cadets across Canada and they only give out 13 of these awards – that’s a huge deal.”
Makenna, a member of 2963 Army Cadet Corps in Sechelt, is involved in a variety of senior level activities within the program, and her corps. The Army Cadet League of Canada sponsors the Major-General W. A. Howard award for outstanding cadets who demonstrate the highest levels of excellence.
“I try my best,” Makenna said. “Especially if there are any cadets who need help.”
Major-General W. A. Howard – Colonel Commandant of Royal Canadian Army Cadets from 1974 to 1979 – established this annual award to recognize outstanding army cadets and promote training excellence.
“She’s always smiling anyway,” Gregorchuk said. “But she just hasn’t stopped since she heard the news.”
Anyone interested in joining the local RCACC can call Capt. Gregorchuk at 604-885-2965.
