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Irricana resident Alex Avery (right), a member of the Airdrie 88 Lynx Air Cadet Squadron, was presented with the award for top cadet from Major Feist at a cadet camp in Cold Lake earlier this summer.

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Irricana youth presented top cadet award

A local youth earned the top honour during the final parade of a cadet Basic Fitness and Sports Camp, Aug. 17.

Irricana resident, Alex Avery, 13, was awarded the Most Proficient Cadet for Basic Fitness and Sports during the three week camp, which took place this summer in Cold Lake.

The camp was attended by about 150 air, sea and army cadets from across Alberta.

“It was kind of a surprise, but I was really happy too,” said Avery, who is a member of Airdrie’s 88 Lynx Air Cadet Squadron and holds the rank of corporal.

To earn the honour, Avery was recommended by his superiors during the camp and underwent a lengthy interview.

Avery, who also earned a badge for excellence in fitness, took part in multiple sports, including volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis and flag football, during the camp.

He was also tested for strength, flexibility and fitness level.

Avery, who will be in Grade 9 at Airdrie’s George McDougall High School this fall, plays several sports, including volleyball, badminton and basketball.

Last year, he was on several Ecole Airdrie Middle School teams and was nominated for top athlete and top student at the school, according to his mom, Jennifer.

Avery is also a scout and will be presented with his Chief Scout award this fall.

He plans to continue with cadets this coming year as he enjoys being part of the organization.

“I like that we can earn our pilot’s license and we learn to respect everyone,” said Avery, adding he has also learned other skills, such as self-discipline.

Jennifer said she is very proud of her son, adding he has learned a lot during his two years in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

“It has given him leadership skills,” she said. “It has created confidence. He has really grown.”