Lessons in Leadership with Ann MacQuarrie: An RSM’s Experience at KES

Today we’ll meet the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the 254 King’s-Edgehill School Highland Cadet Corps. Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Ann MacQuarrie '25 shares what she has learned about leadership and what it looks like to be the Regimental Sergeant Major at King’s-Edgehill School.

Earlier this week, she was interviewed by Commanding Officer (CO) Captain James Skafte.

To better understand the role of the RSM, kindly allow me to share with you what the responsibilities the senior-most leader in the 254 would have. The RSM commands the Corps on all significant parades including Remembrance Day, the Church Parade, and the Annual Cadet Review. She is an expert on drill and parade sequence, has superb knowledge of the Cadet Program, is responsible for the wellbeing of all cadets, sets a high standard for everyone to follow, and is an excellent public speaker. CWO Ann MacQuarrie '25 is responsible for the largest team on campus. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, she is well respected by her peers and faculty.

CO: RSM, thanks for sitting down with me today.

RSM: No problem!

CO: Let's get an opportunity to know you better before you share with us leadership advice as the RSM and what your future aspirations are. Does that sound good?

RSM: Sure!

CO: What hobbies do you enjoy the most?

RSM: Shooting, marksmanship, going to the gym, and walking outside.

CO: How about your favourite food?

RSM: I like steak a lot!

CO: Where did you grow up?

RSM: I was born in Antigonish and when I was a baby my family moved to Saudi Arabia. I spent eight or nine years there before we moved back to Cape Breton and then I came to King’s-Edgehill.

CO: Where is your current hometown?

RSM: My hometown is Mabou, Cape Breton. It is about an hour and 45 minutes from Sydney.

CO: Do you have any siblings?

RSM: Yes, I have three older brothers. They are all alumni of the School. Neil ’14, Colin ’16, and Iain ’22. I was at KES with Iain for three years before he graduated. Meanwhile, my oldest brother, Neil, was a houseparent in the main boys dorm. Colin who is the second oldest and was head student in 2016 had already graduated when I started school at KES. He went to Dalhousie University and took engineering.

CO: Who is your favorite singer?

RSM: It's Vince Gill.

CO: What is your favorite genre of music?

RSM: I like Cape Breton Celtic music and rock and roll!

CO: What instruments do you play?

RSM: I play acoustic and electric guitar. I also play the fiddle and sing too.

CO: Who do you look up to as a role model?

RSM: My dad. He is very kind and hard-working. He has definitely inspired me.

CO: In a Highland Cadet Corps of over 350 cadets there is only one RSM. Can you tell us about your journey in cadets to lead the largest student group on campus?

RSM: When I started at KES I played the chanter in the Pipes and Drums band my first year as a cadet. That was fun. I worked diligently to become a Sergeant. Next, I went into the Colour Party in Grade 10 and became the Senior Escort. I wanted to become a Warrant Officer and thought that I might become the Warrant Officer who runs the range because I love marksmanship. I was promoted to the Drill Instructor Warrant Officer in my Grade 11 year which really helped me get ready to become the RSM in my Grade 12 year.

CO: Was there a defining moment when you knew that one day you would be the RSM?

RSM: I think it was when I became the Drill Instructor Warrant Officer. It was pretty significant and I would be going places but I didn’t know it would be RSM, just that it would be a high leadership role in the Corps.

CO: What are the responsibilities that you have as the RSM?

RSM: Definitely holding people accountable and leading by example. Along with that, knowing everyone’s drill and commands, not just my own, so I can be available to answer their questions. I am responsible for every ceremonial parade such as Remembrance Day, Church Parade, and the Annual Cadet Review.

CO: I think what younger cadets and what your peers want to know is, what does it take to become a great leader?

RSM: I believe that it starts with getting your foot in the door. You need to show up for things, be present, be positive and show everyone that you are there to work hard. Be kind and you’ll go places.

CO: You are really busy as an IB student, in sports, in the Cadet Program and much more. If you have a moment to relax what do you enjoy doing?

RSM: I’m a prefect along with RSM. I don’t have a ton of downtime but when I do I like to call my family and hang out with friends.

CO: How has your well-rounded education at King’s-Edgehill shaped you as a person?

RSM: It has definitely prepared me well with mastering time management skills.

CO: The last question I have for you today is, what are your future goals and dreams, starting with where do you see yourself in the fall?

RSM: I want to go into the RCMP. I don’t know what that looks like this fall but I plan on working while going through the application process and seeing where it takes me.

CO: That’s awesome! Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today! I believe that you’ll be successful as you pursue your dreams. You have served King’s-Edgehill School well as RSM and prefect.

RSM: You’re welcome!