Cadet receives national honour

David Yates, National Vice-President of the Navy League Cadets, presents CPO1 Charity Cole with the Medal of Excellence Award at the June 1 Annual Ceremonial Review.

Sometimes it’s good to stand out in a crowd, especially if it’s because of your accomplishments.

A few weeks ago 12-year-old Charity Cole soared far above her peers when she was named Top Navy League Cadet of Canada (NLCC), in addition to being the Navy League Cadet of the year for Vancouver Island Division.

It was at the June 1 NLCC Admiral Rayner’s Annual Ceremonial Review in Work Point that she was called to the front and given the Medal of Excellence Award.

“I was shocked. I heard that I’d won Top Cadet for Vancouver Island, but didn’t hear about the other one until they were presenting it to me,” says CPO1 Cole. “It was a huge honour, and everyone except my Commanding Officer was very surprised.”

CPO1 Cole was chosen out of more than 7,000 Navy League cadets across Canada for the honour. Because she was named Top Cadet of both her region and country, the medal features two anchors on the bar instead of the customary single anchor.

She is not cut from the usual pre-teen cloth. While most 12 year olds’ eyes are on their cellphone or computer screen, CPO1 Cole has hers set on many horizon-expanding activities.

Cadets is just one of a long list of extracurricular pursuits that includes Girl Guides, playing violin, curling, swimming, and volunteering with city organizations. She also plays the bass drum in her cadet corps.

Born into a military family – her father is a Sergeant at 443(MH) Squadron and her brother was a coxswain of his cadet corps in Halifax – naval cadets seemed like a good place for a then nine year old to develop confidence and make friends.

 “I was so shy, but now thanks to cadets I’ve learned so many leadership skills and public speaking skills,” she says. “It’s really helped me be more confident when talking to people and in my everyday life.”

She has one more year in the Navy League before she ages out of the program. Her next step will be Sea Cadets.  

Her parents Dana and Sgt Austin Cole characterize their daughter as “very motivated.”

“She is motivated to do all these activities because she hates to be bored, she loves to learn anything new, and we always encourage her to be her best,” says Dana.

Of both her children, she adds, “We want them to be respectful, compassionate and well-rounded individuals within our community.” 

Since 1948, the Navy League Cadet program has introduced young Canadians to naval life. The program, aimed at youth aged nine to 13, develops nautical skills teamwork, and leadership, all aspects CPO1 Cole has mastered.

“She is an outstanding leader and a great role model for young people,” says Dana. “Austin and I beam with pride. We are only doing our job as parents to teach her that with confidence, hard work and determination she can achieve anything in life.”

Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer