DIANE HUNTER
Chief Warrant Officer Ryon Gazey, Warrant Officer Samantha Mellor, Warrant Officer Andrew Tarulli, and Warrant Officer Kira Valentine Devine, standing at attention during the Cadets open house, September 9. The 57 Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders Army Cadet Corps began the season with an open house on September 9.
“It’s the regular meet and greet tonight,” said Carolyn Miller, treasurer for the cadets. “It’s a lot more relaxed. Today is more like organized chaos.”
“This is our first recruitment day,” said commanding officer Captain Steve Campbell, “It’s a good chance to meet parents and potential cadets, and get organized. It’s an opportunity to see what we do.”
Captain Campbell said that new recruits can join at any time, not just on recruitment night. “If they want, they can just come to a meeting and see if they want to join,” said Campbell. “The more the merrier.”
Jim Mullin from the Glengarry Light Infantry was on site to help gather interest for the re-enactment of the War of 1812 to be held September 26 and 27 at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan. “We have partnered with the cadets for the re-enactment,” said Mullin. “It’s a big deal. This is the first one of its kind in Canada. We think it’s going to be a win-win for everyone. Kids not only get to go to cadets, it teaches them history. This is the 75th year for the cadets. It’s fantastic.”
The cadets will be celebrating their 75th year on October 24. “We are looking to have a parade, and a big reunion bash,” said Miller. “We are inviting everybody; past cadets, and officers. We will be having a supper, and are looking for parents to help out, even if just for photos and memorabilia.”
The cadets meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. at the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI), at 5814 Highway 34 in Vankleek Hill. Kids between the ages of 12 and 19 are welcome to join anytime.
The Vankleek Hill High School Cadet Corps was formed on December 6, 1899, and was disbanded after 30 years of intense activity, on December 16, 1933. The Corps reorganized in 1940 as the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Cadet Corps, later changing to the Vankleek Hill District Collegiate Institute Cadet Corps.
It was sponsored by Prescott Russell County Board of Education and was affiliated with Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders in October 1942. In 1975, sponsorship was changed to Branch 472 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Hawkesbury. The designation was changed in May 2000 to the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Army Cadet Corps.
The cadets develop abilities in activities such as the use of maps and compasses, GPS technology, first-aid, camping, survival skills, canoeing trekking, mountain biking, and outdoor leadership skills. The cadets also get involved in ceremonial military events, citizenship activities, and the War of 1812 re-enactment events at the Pioneer Village in Dunvegan.
Any photos or memorabilia to be used for the 75th anniversary celebration can be donated to the cadet corps during their regular meeting nights. More information can be found by calling 613-632-1170 or by email at rcacc57@yahoo.ca.