Cadet Mess Dinner Celebrates the Leaders of the 254 — Issue 19

On a cold, snowy evening, Platoon Sergeants and Warrant Officers gathered for the annual candlelight Cadet Mess Dinner. At this incredible dinner, we celebrated the outstanding young leaders of the 254 King’s-Edgehill School Highland Cadet Corps.

In attendance were Platoon and Specialty Sergeants, Warrant Officers, the Head of School, Civilian Instructors, officers, and invited faculty members for a fine dining experience. Tuesday was a busy day as the Stanfield Dining Room was transformed for the mess dinner. Candlesticks were polished, name tags printed, and the seating plan laid out. Corps trophies were proudly displayed on the tables, lights dimmed, and with candles lit, the room offered a pleasant, relaxed ambience.

Everyone was well dressed, with the Sergeants and Warrant Officers of the 254 looking most impressive in their Black Watch kilts, Highland doublets, and regimental accoutrements.

Our gifted Pipe Major, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ezra Sasaki '26, piped in the head table to start the Mess Dinner. Then, with a tap of the gavel from the President of the Mess Committee (PMC), MWO Ezra Choo '26 brought the room to order for Madre Dawn-Lea Greer. The Madre led us in the School Prayer and then grace. After the blessing, we began the meal that Chef Jason Shoot and his team so wonderfully prepared. A fine dining experience with haggis awaited. As Highlanders at KES, we recognize the Scottish traditions of our school and Scottish poet Robbie Burns with the serving of haggis.

Led by Chief Steward Sergeant Nadine Saleh '28, her team of servers did a fantastic job serving the meal. The cadet servers took their roles most seriously, with a strong sense of duty and professionalism. Nadine is a fine young leader in the Cadet Corps who participated in the cadet exchange to the Netherlands and is in the Gold Star Cadet Program as a Grade 10 student.

The haggis was paraded into the dining hall by Ari Schwarz '26, Harlo Young '28, Prarthana Rammohanprabhu '29, and Sokha Ebert '30. Master Warrant Officer Christian Goulden '26 and Sergeant Aidan Donovan '27 truly impressed us all with their incredible performance of Ode to a Haggis. The boys gave it their best with a tremendously well-done Scottish accent. This aptly concluded with MWO Christian Goulden '26 retrieving the sgian dubh from his hose top to stab the haggis. Then we were on to haggis and dessert.

A highlight of the evening was the incredible bagpiping of Sergeant Willoughby Larder '29 , Master Corporal Altyn Hood '29 , Master Corporal Spencer Armstrong '30, and Mr. Pat LePoidevin. They were joined by Sergeant Abby Woodworth '28 and Sergeant Nadine Saleh '28 on the drums for an outstanding performance. It is truly special to hear the bagpipes indoors, as one experiences their full sound and presence.

There were medal presentations to two outstanding cadets in the 254. On hand to present the medals was Major (retired) Keith Hynes, former Commanding Officer and current Army Cadet League Director of the Corps. He presented the Army Cadet Medal of Merit with Rodger Bar to Warrant Officer Max Proctor '27. Max was a very deserving recipient of this medal. Next, Warrant Officer Emery Endres '28 was presented with the Army Cadet Medal of Merit with Howard Bar. Well done, Emery. These medals are rarely awarded, and KES was fortunate to have two recipients in our Corps.

Speeches were delivered by Head of School Mr. Joe Seagram, who spoke on ten excellent reasons why we have cadets; Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Will Larder '26, who included great humour in a superbly delivered address; and Commanding Officer Captain James Skafte, who spoke about gratitude in leadership and offered his thanks to the leaders of the 254.

The evening concluded with Sergeant Willoughby Larder '29 leading the singing of God Save the King, followed by post-dinner grace led by Madre Greer.

A huge shout-out goes to our Food Services Manager Twilia MacDonald and her entire staff, who ensured the mess dinner was of the highest standard. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.

This evening would not have been possible without the teamwork, dedication, and attention to detail of Civilian Instructor Marion Robins and Captain Nicole Hastings, Cadet Operations Officer. Marion and Nicole graciously made numerous adjustments and last-minute changes. Some attendees were unable to attend due to the snowfall the previous night, which resulted in a virtual learning and hybrid day. A sincere thank you to Marion and Nicole for ensuring every detail of the Cadet Mess Dinner was thoughtfully managed.

This was a lovely mess dinner and truly an evening to remember. It was a fun-filled night with laughter and joy. As Commanding Officer, I can say this event is a highlight each January. My utmost thanks go to the Sergeants and Warrant Officers who are leading the future leaders of the 254.