Rick Stiebel/B次元官网网址 Gazette staff
Jaiden Ruryk personifies the positive impact cadet programs have on youth in the community. The 14-year-old Colwood resident was one of four teens who received an award for the Most Improved Cadet at a graduation ceremony last week at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre in Metchosin.
Ruryk, a former Dunsmuir Middle School student, is a member of the 848 Royal Roads Air Cadet Squadron.
He completed three weeks at Albert Head that included the basic survival course and the basic aviation technology and aerospace course B次元官网网址� which teaches cadets about areas of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, aerodrome operations and aerospace.
B次元官网网址淚 really enjoyed the time here,B次元官网网址� Ruryk said. B次元官网网址淚 developed close bonds with the other cadets and new friendships. I learned a lot of cool things and got to meet people from all over Canada. I hope to come back next year.B次元官网网址�
His foster parent, Karyn Cooper, said she is amazed by the change in Ruryk in the two years he has been in cadets.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 nothing short of phenomenal,B次元官网网址� she said following the graduation ceremony and parade. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 so proud of him that itB次元官网网址檚 beyond words.B次元官网网址�
Ruryk, who will attend Royal Bay Secondary in September, said he is looking forward to high school, which he described as an important step in his plans to become an architect. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 really excited about it,B次元官网网址� he added.
Warrant Officer First Class Olivia Menard, a staff cadet in charge of this yearB次元官网网址檚 camp, said she was eager to return to Albert Head after attending as a Flight Sergeant last year in charge of the band.
B次元官网网址淭he cadet program gave me a sense of belonging at a young age,B次元官网网址� said the 18-year-old from Alberta. B次元官网网址淚 want to give that sense of belonging to others now.B次元官网网址�
