The 2912 Sudbury Irish Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps held a ceremony on Oct. 25 at the Sudbury Armoury, where they received the presitigious Colonel John H.C. Clarry Trophy.
This was the sixth time the corps has earned the trophy (and $1,000 cash award), which is presented annually to the corps judged by Army Cadet Corps League officials and Regular Force support staff as having run the most interesting and effective training programme, combined with the highest retention rate and strength relative to the size of the community served.
The recipient of the trophy is determined by a point system that is broken down into categories such as attendance, training, teams, retention and more.
The cadet corps of 65 boys and girls is the largest of its kind in Northern Ontario, thanks largely to their strong retention.
"We're very busy and visible in the community," said Capt Tammy Valtonen, the corps' regimental sergeant major. "We do a lot in the community and we're seen and well known and liked, so I think that keeps the kids coming back."
Lieutenant Col. Dan Matthews, president of the Army Cadet League of Canada, (Ontario), was in Sudbury to present the cadets with the trophy that Valtonen says is a huge honour.
"It's outstanding for everyone, the officers and the cadets," said Valtonen.
A strong reputation over the years has played a role in the Sudbury Irish Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps' maintaining such a high standard and continuing to garner recognition on the provincial level.
"We have kids here now whose parents were in the cadets, both Cpt. Valtonen and I have kids involved," said deputy commanding officer Cpt. Dave Deloye. "We're all just trying to live up to the example that was set out by those who came before us."
The corps is sponsored by the Sudbury Police Association and operates in partnership between the Army Cadet League of Canada and the Canadian Forces.
Membership is open to boys and girls aged 12-18 and there is no cost to join.
