Greenwood Cadet wins national recognition, opportunity
This year’s Royal Canadian Legion Cadet of the Year is Greenwood’s 517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s own graduating Cadet, Warrant Officer 1st Class Aiyana Barrieau.
The recipient was officially presented her national award by Weldon Rideout, president of the RCL’s Branch 98 Kingston during the squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review June 5.
“I feel really happy – I mean, I worked really hard for it,” said Barrieau after the presentation. “You know, finally realizing that I get that opportunity and received the award… at first, I didn’t believe it, but like, I won it! And I’m very proud of myself.”
Also a recipient of the 2023 Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence and appointed 517 F/Lt Graham’s squadron commander, Barrieau has cause to be proud: the Air Cadet of the Year award is presented to a single deserving Cadet, selected by the Air Cadet League of Canada on behalf of the Legion to attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa as the youth representative and perform as a member of the vice-regal party during ceremonies. The Legion also provides their young guest with transportation, meals and accommodations for the duration of the visit. Barrieau is excited to visit the capital for the first time.
“I feel it’ll be really cool. I like travelling, and I’ve only ever been out of the province three times, so it’ll be a fun experience.”
Along with the invitation to represent her element as a guest of the Legion, Barrieau has also received a $1,000 bursary, which she will invest in a Bachelor of Science and Aviation degree at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, this fall. The university partners with MFC Training to offer a four-year aviation program combining an undergraduate degree with ground school training. Barrieau will work on various qualifications, including a multi-engine class rating, night rating and even a commercial pilot’s license; while completing over 200 hours of flying. Having already completed her private pilot’s license through Cadets in 2023, she is looking forward to developing her air skills in the pursuit of a career in the aviation industry.
“I really want to be a pilot,” says Barrieau.
517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Warrant Officer 1st Class Aiyana Barrieau, centre, is the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet of the Year. Kingston Branch 098 President Weldon Rideout, right, and Brad Sommerfeld presented her with the 2024 national award at 517 F/Lt Graham’s June 5 Annual Ceremonial Review in Greenwood.
517 Flight Lieutenant Graham Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Warrant Officer 1st Class Aiyana Barrieau, second from left, stands with the colour party as squadron members prepare for their Annual Ceremonial Review June 5 in Greenwood. Barrieau, the squadron commander, graduates from Cadets this summer with national recognition as the 2024 Royal Canadian Legion Cadet of the Year.
