Reviewing Officer Captain (Navy) (retired) Tony Goode is welcomed to KES for the 145th Annual Cadet Review - Issue 37

The formal cadet inspection caps off the end of May each year to commemorate the accomplishments of the cadets in the 254 King’s-Edgehill School Highland Cadet Corps. The Reviewing Officer was KES alumni parent Captain (Navy) (Ret’d) Tony Goode.

 

The entire cadet corps formed up on the track next to the Tanna Turf for our 145th Annual Cadet Review at 6:15 pm.

 

The parade unfolded with Drill Sergeant Major (DSM) Master Warrant Officer Chris ’26 calling on the markers. Once in place, the corps marched onto parade under the leadership of Warrant Officer Liam ’26. After the Platoon Sergeants reported their numbers for each platoon, the Warrant Officers fell in. Once in place, the DSM turned the parade over to the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Chief Warrant Officer Will ’26. Everyone rose when the RSM called on the Colour Party, who smartly marched onto the parade.

 

Then Pipe Major Master Warrant Officer Ezra ’26 piped the Reviewing Party on. This consisted of the Reviewing Officer, Captain (N) Goode, our Head of School, Mr. Joe Seagram, and Commanding Officer Captain James Skafte. The Reviewing Officer took the dais, and Chief Warrant Officer Will ’26 gave the order for the General Salute. Under Drum Major Master Warrant Officer Christian ’26’s guidance, the bands played O Canada.

 

Mil Band and Pipes & Drums played music for the Reviewing Officer as he conducted the inspection. Captain (N) Goode was very interested in the cadets and spent time talking with as many cadets as possible in a corps of more than 350 cadets. He was very pleased with the high standards and excellent showing of the 254, dressed resplendent in full Highland Kit with Highland doublet, kilt, balmoral, sporran, and hosetops. In a corps with more than 350 cadets on parade, one is very impressed!

 

Our Master of Ceremonies, Master Warrant Officer Molly ’26, did a fantastic job from start to finish.

 

The following Highland cadets were recognized for their accomplishments in our cadet leadership program.

 

Here are the trophy recipients:

 

Corporal Sebastian ’29 received the Yorston Smallwood Trophy as Top Junior Cadet in Grades 7, 8, and 9.

 

Master Corporal Juno ’29 was recognized as the Best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (Female).

 

Master Corporal Joe ’26 received the trophy for Best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (Male).

 

Colour Party Escort Sergeant Shelby ’27 was recognized as the Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (Female), and Grade 12 graduate Master Warrant Officer Cam ’26 was recognized as the Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (Male). Very well done!

 

In Platoon 12, Warrant Officer Jacob ’27 was recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Bullock Trophy for Best Platoon Warrant Officer. Our Head of School, Mr. Joe Seagram, presented Cadet Brooklyn ’28 and Cadet Marcus ’27 with the Head of School Trophy as the Best First-Year Cadets.

 

From Mil Band, Master Warrant Officer Kao ’26 received Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Band. Former Junior School Director Mrs. Taya Shields presented Master Corporal Caleb ’30 with the Cadet Who Contributed Most to the Band Trophy. Young Cadet Harvey ’32 was recognized as the Most Improved Member of the Pipes & Drums Band. Great job to the award recipients in band!

 

Sergeant Rachel ’28 received the M.A. ‘Stump’ Ross Award. The Stump Ross Award is given to a cadet who exemplifies the quality of caring through community service.

 

Up next were Platoon Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Addy ’27 and Platoon Sergeant Sergeant Jake ’27, who accepted the General Bogert Plaque on behalf of Platoon 5 as the Best Platoon in the Corps. Way to go!

 

Scholarships were awarded to Warrant Officer Jacob ’27 and Warrant Officer Emery ’28. They are both recipients of the SYDNEY ARNOLD SMITH, CECIL VERGE STRONG, AND GERALD PERCY STRONG SCHOLARSHIP.

 

Also receiving a scholarship was Sergeant Hyatt ’28, who took home the CAPT. ALFRED SHAW SCHOLARSHIP. These scholarships were very well deserved.

 

Our Top Shot in the shooting program was Warrant Officer Emery ’28, as she received the Black Watch Marksmanship Trophy for Top Shot! Emery is qualified as a Distinguished Marksman and is a member of both the marksmanship and biathlon teams. She placed third overall in Zone Marksmanship (regionals) and is on her way to Provincial Biathlon this weekend (running and shooting).

 

The Black Watch Plaque is awarded to the cadet leader who, through self-sacrifice of time and effort, best demonstrates the principles of instruction. This went to Sergeant Lily ’28, who was Acting Warrant Officer of Platoon 8 at the ACR.

 

The Corps Drill Instructor Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Lillian ’27 accepted the BLACK WATCH REGIMENTAL TROPHY. This is awarded to the best overall cadet in the 254, regardless of years enrolled or rank held.

 

Drum Major Master Warrant Officer Christian ’26 gladly accepted HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER’S AWARD. The award recognizes exceptional attitude, deportment, dress, knowledge, and team spirit.

 

The following medals were presented to these top cadets in recognition of their significant efforts. Master Corporal Altynbek ’29 is the recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence for 2026. The Legion Medal is awarded to a cadet for volunteering and community service that meets and enhances the aims and objectives of the Cadet Program.

 

Pipe Major Master Warrant Officer Ezra ’26 received the most prestigious medal of the day, becoming the 2026 recipient of the LORD STRATHCONA MEDAL. This medal recognizes an outstanding cadet who has a high level of physical fitness and dedication to their corps and country. This medal was presented by the Reviewing Officer, Captain (Navy) Goode.

 

Impressing the corps staff this year was Company Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer Colton ’26, who received the CAPT. RICK DYKENS AWARD for displaying qualities of leadership and self-sacrifice toward fellow cadets.

 

Platoon Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Rowan ’27 was the most deserving candidate for the DRILL TROPHY. He truly contributed the most toward drill in the Corps. Rowan set the bar high for what outstanding drill, dress, and deportment look like in the Corps!

 

The RSM, Will ’26, received the PRINCESS PATRICIA’S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY PRESENTATION PACE STICK. He received this in recognition of his loyalty, pride, and leadership toward the cadet program while attending King’s-Edgehill School. Captain James Skafte presented him with the PPCLI Pace Stick.

 

Rounding out the group of high achievers is repeat award recipient Pipe Major Ezra ’26. Ezra accepted the DAVID K. WILSON TROPHY in recognition of the lifer who demonstrates longevity and loyalty in the 254 King’s-Edgehill School Highland Cadet Corps.

The GROHMANN KNIFE AWARD from the Army Cadet League was presented to a Gold Star-qualified cadet who has served as a model Warrant Officer and exemplified the highest qualities of leadership. The recipient is Company Sergeant Major Casey ’26, who received the knife from Major (Retired) Keith Hynes, Army Cadet League Director and Commanding Officer from 2015–2023.

 

A very special presentation took place with the awarding of the CHARLES ANTHONY GOODE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by Captain (Navy) Goode. This scholarship was awarded to Warrant Officer Brin ’27 in memory of his late son, Charles Goode.

 

Speeches by Mr. Joe Seagram, Captain (Navy) Goode, and Captain James Skafte spoke highly of the accomplishments of, and pride in, the Corps.

 

To the Officers, Civilian Instructors, and volunteers of the 254, my heartfelt appreciation for your support and tremendous efforts to make the cadet program and all of this year’s events a great success. To the parents, family, friends, and alumni, my sincere thanks for your support and encouragement.

 

As this year concludes, it has been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to the year ahead!