TOP ROLE FOR BALLYMONEY TEEN
Ballymoney teenager has been appointed Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the County of Antrim.
Eighteen-year-old Coleraine Grammar School student holds the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant with 2350 (Coleraine) Squadron RAF Air Cadets. She is one
of just twelve Lord Lieutenants’ Cadets appointed across Northern Ireland. The Cadets who are selected for the largely ceremonial year-long role
can expect a busy year in office as they attend their respective Lord Lieutenants on major civic occasions. In recognition of their role, they
are entitled to wear a special insignia on their uniforms throughout their year in office.
She has been an enthusiastic member of the Air Training Corps since joining the Squadron, maintaining a 100% attendance rate and taking on the role
of Staff Cadet Instructor. She has represented Northern Ireland Wing Air Cadets at Squadron, Wing and Regional Level with considerable success
in swimming, netball and athletics. Relishing physical challenges, she has also taken part in the Mourne Mountain Cadet Challenge and successfully
completed the 100th Anniversary Nijmegen 100 Mile March. She hopes to complete her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award this year.
She also excels in musical performance and, as well as playing in the Coleraine Grammar School Senior Orchestra and singing in the school choir, she
is a member of the Northern Ireland Tri-Service Cadet Band. Last year she attended the Uniformed Youth Organisation Massed Band Camp at Redford
Cavalry Barracks, earning recognition as ‘Best Student’ and going on to play in the Massed Bands of the Cadet Organisations Beating Retreat at
Edinburgh Castle.
The Citation which accompanies her appointment pays tribute to her boundless energy and enthusiasm and describes Rebekah as ‘a mature young woman,
well respected by her peers and adult instructors … reliable and organised, and always prepared for any challenges she may be presented
with.”
It commends her commitment to charitable fundraising and highlights the positive contribution she made at a recent Mental Health Awareness training
session at Regional Headquarters.
The Citation concludes, “This Flight Sergeant has developed into an exceptional Cadet, excelling in her role as a mentor and leader. Throughout her
service, she has displayed a positive attitude, open to learning, and always with a smile on her face.”
Above is a photograph of her receiving the certificate which marks her appointment from Mrs Joan Christie CVO OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for
the County of Antrim.