Two local cadets from Squadron 533 of the St. Albert Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCACS) were honoured Thursday night at the St. Albert Community Hall for their contributions to citizenship and community.
Seventeen-year-old cadet Warrant Officer Second Class Gabriel Keith and 18-year-old cadet Warrant Officer First Class Ryan Van Bostelen received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by Captain Terri Barr.
The Government of Canada created the medal to mark the coronation of King Charles on May 6, 2023. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, province and Canada.
"We recognize them for their mentorship in citizenship and commitment to the community, because that's the focus of the King Charles medal," said Barr, who has also received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. "Just going above and beyond the citizenship that we normally do."
The St. Albert cadets regularly volunteer within the community as a part of their training. They take part in opportunities such as packing hampers to support veterans at the Veterans Association Food Bank, helping with the "Stuff a Cruiser" event with the RCMP and Second Chance Animal Rescue Society and helping with poppy sales.
Van Bostelen and Keith were recognized for doing more than expected within their communities.
"I was nominated by the staff here at 533 in part due to the community service that I've participated in with the squadron, but also in addition to stuff that I've done out in the community as a whole," said Keith.
"Just being engaged in the community in a lot of meaningful and impactful ways."
Both cadets have made significant contributions through cadets and volunteering with organizations they are passionate about. "I volunteer at Rehoboth Camp Ministries, it's a camp for kids with special needs, and I think that played a pretty big role in it," said Van Bostelen. "I've also volunteered at the Native Healing Centre and The Mustard Seed and volunteered for the Poppy Blitz for veterans, I think for all those reasons, that's what happened."
Barr explained that the selection process to select the recipients for the award was a huge task, as there were hundreds of applicants and only 30,000 medals across Canada to give out.
"There's three of us here at the squadron that are now wearing these medals," she said. That says a lot about the success of this unit, but also the kind of the quality of kids that were coming through this program."
Barr said she was the Commanding Officer for 533 St. Albert RCACS when both boys started in the program, and seeing them advance in their cadet careers made the recognition even more
impactful. Van Bostelen says the medal serves as a form of motivation after years of giving back to his community and encourages him to continue his actions.
"It's definitely a meaningful and joyful recognition of the community service and commitment that we've had to do as a whole," said Keith.
"Support the community around us and actively participate to make it a better place, both for
ourselves and those around us as well."