Parents Night In December

3045 Corps held its second Parents Night Parade on December 6.  The corps usually waits until February but there was enough content to warrant a parade before the end of 2017.  This would also be my first Parents Night Parade as the Guest Reviewing Officer (GRO).

            

Target scores & PT Test Scores.

The cadets & adult staff arrived at the school’s gym at 5:30pm to set up.  The gym was converted into a makeshift parade square, complete with fold out chairs, flags, awards table, and reception tables.  The cadets additionally posted the summary attendance, best marksmanship scores, and best physical training (PT) test scores on the walls of the gym for guests to look at.  Once everything was ready, the cadets changed into their green dress uniforms.

            

The parade started at 6:30pm.  A sizeable audience was in attendance.  The cadets came to attention in the centre of the gym as I marched in.  Upon taking my place at the front of the parade, the General Salute and O Canada were played.  The cadet parade commander reported to me and escorted me to inspect the cadets.  The audience sat down.  While I inspected the cadets, Lt. (ret). May welcomed everyone to the parade and briefly explained what was happening in the corps.

            

Cadet Iqaqrialu receives her
marksmanship badge.

The cadets demonstrated their marching capabilities by doing a March Past.  I took the salute.  I proceeded with the awarding of marksmanship badges.  There are four marksmanship levels in the cadet program, one being the lowest & four being the highest.  I called out each cadet and presented them with their respective badges.  I repeated the process when it came time to hand out the PT badges.  There are also four levels in the cadet PT program, but they’re organized as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Excellence.  The corps holds PT tests on the first Saturday of every month.  I also participate.  To the delight of the cadets, I granted them permission to post my results from the last test.  Let’s just say that I’m almost physically fit.

            

Cadet Ejangiaq receives his PT Excellence badge.

Having a Parents Night Parade in December gave me the opportunity to announce the marksmanship & biathlon teams.  The cadets had been asking me since October but I kept telling them to be patient.  Now the time had come.  I could see from their faces that the cadets were anxious to know who made the teams.  I explained to the audience that cadets are selected for teams based on the 3 As: Attendance, Attitude, and Ability.

            

Marksmanship Team

Biathlon Team.

I started with the Marksmanship Team.  I called out the six lucky recipients and asked them to form up at the front so they could be acknowledged and photographed.  I shook each cadet’s hand and personally congratulated them.  I repeated the process for the Biathlon Team except I called out a seventh cadet.  The chosen cadets for both teams were obviously pleased.  To the cadets who weren’t chosen, I told them to not be disappointed.  Their time will come.

           

Good attenders.

Cadets who maintained a high level of attendance – 80% or higher – were called out to be recognized.  I was happy to see the majority of cadets on parade at the front of the parade. 

            

Cdt. Tilley receives her promotion to LCpl.

The Willie Twins salute before being
promoted to the rank of Cpl.

The last part of the parade was the promotions.  There were only a few at the end of the year.  Two cadets advanced to the rank of Lance Corporal, another two cadets advanced to the rank of Corporal, one cadet was promoted to Master-Corporal, and one senior cadet was promoted to the rank of Sargent.  Each cadet received a rank badge and pair of slip on ranks.  The five cadets were proud that they were “advancing in the ranks.”

            

Cadet Qaqqasiq-Taqtu salutes before being promoted to the rank of Sgt.

The parade finished with the Advance In Review Order, General Salute, and the playing of God Save The Queen. 

            

Cupcakes!

Everyone was treated to refreshments after the parade.  A few volunteers prepared Christmas themed cupcakes and sweets.  The cadets also received new corps t-shirts & hoodies before heading home for the night.