AWARDS
Awards are typically presented at the squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR). Awards reflect a cadet’s overall accomplishments and behaviour throughout the entire training year. Selection of deserving cadets is carried out by a selection committee according to accurate and impartial criteria with absence of favouritism.
Best Recruit
The “Vanier Legion Award for Dedication and Commitment” is presented to top Cadet Recruits who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout the training year. This award recognizes a cadet who upholds the core values of the Canadian Cadet Program; loyalty, professionalism, mutual respect, and integrity while embodying the spirit of service that defines the Royal Canadian Legion and its contributions to the community. This award may be presented to any cadet currently undergoing their first year of training.
Most Improved Cadet
The Most Improved Cadet award is presented to the cadet who has improved the most during the training year. This does not imply that the recipient is the best cadet overall of all the nominees. It means that they have had the biggest improvement since the previous training year.
Military Drill Trophy
The Military Drill Trophy is presented to the cadet who has developed alertness, precision, pride, steadiness, and the cohesion necessary for success within a group, and demonstrates the highest level of drill knowledge and ability in the Squadron.
Sportsmanship and Esprit de Corps
As an homage to the original founding sponsors of 51 squadron, the “Ottawa Optimist Club” Trophy is presented to the cadet who has been exemplary in their conduct and attitude towards others during all activities. This is not to be confused with spirit or enthusiasm. While these two qualities are likely also demonstrated by the recipient, this award has more to do with their behaviour towards others. This award may be presented to any cadet.
Squadron Leader
The “Squadron Leader” award is presented to the cadet voted on by their fellow cadets in the squadron as the individuals who helped them the most during the year and best exemplifies the aims of the air cadet movement.
Dress and Deportment
The Dress and Deportment award is presented to the cadet who demonstrated exemplary dress and deportment throughout the training year.
Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to a cadet for noteworthy display of effort and dedicated participation throughout the year in the most cadet volunteer activities, whether that be fundraising or for community service.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum Trophy
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum Trophy is presented to the cadet receiving the highest marks in the Squadron Flying Scholarship Program on the written test administered by the Air Cadet League. The cadet recipient must have obtained the highest marks on the written test administered by the Air Cadet League.
Most Valuable Marksmanship Team Member
The Most Valuable Marksmanship Team Member Award is presented to the member of the Marksmanship Team who is considered to be the most valuable team member (Team member who most supported the team and its members throughout the training year), as decided by the Marksmanship Team and its coaches.
Flying Officer T.J. Olson Top Marksman Trophy
The “Flying Officer T.J. Olson Top Marksman” Trophy is awarded to the Marksman who through perseverance, has made the most improvement throughout the training year, as decided by the Marksmanship Team and its coaches.
Most Valuable Biathlon Team Member
The Most Valuable Biathlon Team Member Award is presented to the member of the Biathlon Team who is considered to be the most valuable team member (based on criteria that includes promoting team spirit by motivating its members throughout the training year), as decided by the Biathlon Team and its coaches.
Hurley Award of Excellence
The “Hurley Award of Excellence” is presented to the cadet or cadets who achieved excellence in the sport of biathlon in the current training year, as decided by the Biathlon Team and its coaches.
Most Valuable Band Member
The “Major Sylvie McMillan” Trophy is presented to the cadet who contributed the most to the development of the band during the year. Decided by the Band members and its coaches.
Most Improved Band Member
The Most Improved Most Improved Band Member award is presented to the Band member who has improved the most throughout the training year. Decided by the Band members and its coaches.
Most Valuable Drill Team Member
The Most Valuable Drill Team Member Award is presented to the member of the Drill Team who is considered to have demonstrated commitment, and leadership to the team as well as perseverance and self-improvement through the year, as decided by the Drill Team Commander and its coaches.
Best Instructor
The “Commanding Officer” plaque is presented to the Cadet Instructor with the best instructional techniques. This award recognizes the cadet who has shown outstanding skill in effectively delivering training, engaging cadets, and fostering a positive learning environment. The recipient exemplifies the qualities of clarity, patience, adaptability, and leadership in their role as an instructor.
Best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer
The Best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer plaque is presented to the cadet junior non-commissioned officer (Jr NCO) who has self-improved to outstanding performance at all levels.
“Major Marc Moo Sang” Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
The Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer plaque is presented to the cadet senior non-commissioned officer (Sr NCO) who has self-improved to outstanding performance at all levels.
Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence
The Legion Medal is awarded in recognition for individual endeavours in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement.
Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal
The Lord Strathcona Medal is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.
Best Cadet
“The Alfred E. Percival, CD Memorial Award” trophy is presented to the Cadet who best reflects the Royal Canadian Air Cadet motto “To Learn, to Serve, to Advance” by his outstanding performance at all levels of instruction and contribution to the community.
Major Andrew Warden Mentorship Award
The “Major Andrew Warden Mentorship Award” is presented to the member of the Squadron staff who was determined to have the greatest impact on the cadets. Decided by the Commanding Officer in cooperation with the recommendations received from the senior cadets of the Squadron.