It was a night of pomp and circumstance as the Army Cadets presented themselves for the annual inspection.
The 2901 Estevan (Elks) PPCLI Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps gathered in the curling rink, standing at attention in fine lines as family members sat down to watch the proceedings. The pipe band serenaded attendees inside for the May 7 ceremony.
Estevan Police Service Chief Del Block had the honour of acting as the inspecting officer and was led through the straight-backed lines by Captain Craig Bird, the cadet's commanding officer.
Block also addressed the cadets with some words of encouragement, saying what they learn in the cadet corps are lessons they can keep forever.
"I encourage you to chase your dreams, go after what you want and be your own person," said Block as he touted all the attributes the cadets learn, like discipline, respect and the difference between right and wrong.
He said those skills and attributes will ground the cadets and help carry them forward to the Armed Forces, police or fire departments, as tradespeople or any other walk of like they decide upon.
Block noted that the pipe band started in 1976, the same year Block started at EPS, and he recollected often hearing the music booming from the Legion when he would travel past and the band was practising inside.
"(The band) is something Estevan should be proud of," said Block. "It really is something for this community to be proud of."
The pipes and drum band performed during the marches as well as a playing some music on a break that included a drum solo.
Awards were handed out, with presentations made by Captain Ken Turner, deputy commanding officer of the army cadets.
It was the last year in the cadets for John Klassen who received the Esprit de Corps Award for Sports, as well as the being the best overall shooter.
The Best Cadet award was given to Sgt. Radley Kolb, who also received the Most All Around Athlete Award.
The most improved cadet distinction went to James Fullawka, while the best first year shooter was Abhishek Singh.
The best first year cadet was Catherine Kroeker, while the best second year cadet award went to Griffin Bolvin.
Sgt. Chad Willette was awarded the Captain Fred Slater Memorial Award.
The top three shooters in the corps were Klassen, collecting the top spot with the silver medal going to Cpl. Borys Bodnarus and Paul Drozd earning the bronze.
Cadets also receive service awards after four years in the program, collecting a new bar each year after the fourth. A number of the cadets received the service medals, while Klassen earned his fourth and final bar, as he ages out of the program.
