In 2016/2017, I was awarded the “Captain Vecchio Leadership Award” for the first time and was awarded once again in 2017/2018. However, between 2017/2018, Captain Vecchio was promoted to Major, so it became the “Major Vecchio Leadership Award.” This award recognizes cadets who demonstrate exceptional leadership, initiative, responsibility, and commitment to the values of the Cadet Program.
To receive this award, cadets need to demonstrate strong leadership skills consistently, lead by example with integrity and respect, inspire and positively influence their peers, show dedication to the Cadet Program and its values, and they may also be active in community service or other extracurricular activities.
Some Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps present the top three awards to honour cadets performing exceptionally within certain program levels.
The “Best Red Star Cadet” is awarded to a cadet who is in their second year of the program who exhibits emerging leadership skills and the ability to work effectively with peers and superiors, achieve high standards in all aspects of the Red Star curriculum (leadership, citizenship, and fieldcraft), consistently maintains exemplary drill movements, uniform appearance, and personal conduct, and actively participates in community service initiatives and demonstrates qualities of good citizenships.
The “Best Silver Star Cadet” award is given to cadets who exhibit strong leadership skills in their third year of the program and effectively instruct and mentor junior cadets. They achieve high standards in all aspects of the Silver Star curriculum (leadership, instructional techniques, and field training exercises), along with the same aspects about drill, dress, deportment, citizenship, and community as the Red Star award.
The “Best Gold Star Cadet” award is given to cadets in their fourth year of the program who exemplify many of the same qualities as the Red and Silver Star. However, the fourth year and beyond have more of a focus on instructional techniques. So, to receive this award, gold stars must exhibit strong leadership skills and the ability to instruct and mentor junior cadets and effectively deliver lessons and training to peers and subordinates, among higher standards of training performance, drill and dress, and citizenship.
The “Best Jr. NCO” award is given to cadets who exhibit emerging leadership skills and the ability to motivate peers, maintain high standards in personal appearance and conduct, demonstrate consistent attendance, and actively participate in mandatory and optional cadet activities. They must proactively assist and mentor fellow cadets, contributing positively to the corps environment.
The “Top Dedicated Cadet” award is similar to the above award; however, it focuses more on exceptional commitment and dedication to the cadet program through demonstrating strong leadership skills by motivating peers, assisting junior cadets, and fostering a positive training environment, among other things.
The “Most Outstanding Cadet -CO’s Trophy” award is given to cadets with exceptional qualities and contributions throughout the training year. Cadets who receive this award must exhibit outstanding leadership skills, effectively guide and mentor peers, achieve high standards in training exercises, drills, and other cadet activities, show unwavering commitment to the cadet corps through consistent participation and enthusiasm, and maintain exemplary behaviour, respectfulness, and a positive influence within the corps.
All the awards mentioned are strongly related to teaching and learning; the others I didn’t mention are more focused on the army cadet curriculum, community service, and attendance.