Front row, from left : Leading Air Cadet Nixon Woodrow with civilian instructor Shaileene Hall; Sergeant Matthew Kim with Legion Branch 70 president Daniel Sigouin; Flight Sergeant Pierson Schwab with MP Rosemarie Falk. Back row, from left, Flight Corporal Alex van Meer with Legion Branch 9 past president Paula Kulyk; Flight Corporal James Demarco with Legion Branch 70 first vice-president Gord Brown; and Corporal Ronin Mannix with civilian instructor Shelby Pontes during the 43 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s 84th Annual Ceremonial Review in North Battleford on June 14, 2025.

By battlefordsNOW staff

A MILESTONE

‘It’s a great culmination’: North Battleford Cadets squadron marks 84 years

Jun 30, 2025 | 2:27 PM

About 30 Air Cadets in North Battleford were recognized during a special ceremony for leadership, service and aviation skills.

The event was part of the 43 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review June 14 at the Don Ross Gymnasium. It also marked the 84th year of training for the group in the Battlefords. Friends, family and dignitaries, including local RCMP Inspector Ryan How and local MP Rosemarie Falk, turned out to congratulate the cadets.

“It’s a great culmination to all the kids’ hard work throughout the year,” said Darren Roberts, a civilian instructor and training officer. “They’ve done a lot of hard work in conjunction with attending school and passing their grade this year. So, we’re extremely proud.”

The program, free to youth aged 12 to 19, teaches aviation, leadership and community service. It runs September to June and has been part of North Battleford since 1941.

Sergeant Matthew Kim was named Top Overall Cadet for his leadership and dedication. He also received the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, which recognizes service outside the squadron.

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“He is a very good instructor, a very good young leader, an excellent mentor to the younger cadets who all look up to him,” Roberts said.

Sergeant Matthew Kim receives the Top Overall Cadet Trophy from Inspector Ryan How, Battlefords RCMP detachment commander, during the 43 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s 84th Annual Ceremonial Review in North Battleford on June 14, 2025. (Submitted/ Darren Roberts)

His brother, Flight Corporal Alex Kim, received the Lord Strathcona Medal, one of the highest awards a Canadian cadet can earn.

“Both of the Kim brothers achieved these very, very difficult medals,” he added.

Corporal Mina Dezic was named Most Improved Cadet and Best Dressed on Parade after completing three training levels in one year — all while finishing Grade 12 and the International Baccalaureate program.

“I’ve never seen anybody complete three levels in the span of nine months before,” Roberts said.

Corporal Mina Dezic receives the Most Improved Cadet Award and Best Dressed on Parade Award from Inspector Ryan How during the 43 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s 84th Annual Ceremonial Review in North Battleford on June 14, 2025. (submitted/ Darren Roberts)

Flight Corporal James Demarco won multiple trophies, including the Special Constable Wayne Boskill Memorial Trophy for highest air studies marks. Sergeant Anton Steinhardt received the Major Walter Kostyna Public Speaking Award and a service medal for four years in the program. Flight sergeant Pierson Schwab was honoured for five years with the Bar and Rosette to the Air Cadet Service Medal.

Roberts said watching cadets grow into leaders is the real reward.

“Watching the kids grow and mature and gain their confidence and all that — like on a weekly basis… I get a great sense of pride and I get a huge smile on my face when I see that happening,” he said.

“The skills that we teach — leadership and management — definitely are lifelong skills that they can use in any aspect of their lives.”

Inspector Ryan How, Battlefords RCMP detachment commander, inspects cadets during the 43 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s 84th Annual Ceremonial Review at the Don Ross Gymnasium in North Battleford on June 14, 2025. (submitted/ Darren Roberts)

The squadron plans to add more public displays for its 85th year, including history exhibits and flight simulator demonstrations.

Registration for the new training year starts Sept. 3 and 10 at the Air Cadet Hall.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com