On Thursday 1st July, year 9 Risedale School pupil Aaron Park (14yrs) was presented with the Army Cadet of the Year Award at the Catterick Detachment of the Yorkshire (N&W) Army Cadet Force, Piave Lines, Catterick Garrison.
Two days later, he received the Player of the Year Award for his U14s team at Catterick Garrison Football Centre.
Aaron is a dedicated young cadet and whilst attending a service of remembrance in honour of those who gave their lives at the Battle of the Somme was surprised and delighted to be presented with The Gaurab Rai Award by Army Cadet Force County Commandant, Colonel Jim Greenlee.
Aaron said: “I had no idea I was going to receive the award. I was completely oblivious. I was totally buzzing and couldn't believe it! It’s such an honour.”
Aaron was nominated for the award by Detachment Commander, SMI Arthur Joy, not only for being an exemplary cadet, but also because of his charitable work outside of the ACF, supporting his Mum’s welfare initiative ‘Treats for Troops on Tour’; an organisation which sends welfare parcels to deployed service men and women around the world.
Detachment Commander, SMI Arthur Joy, said: "This is a well-deserved award to a young man who continues to support our forces. He is an inspiration to many, demonstrating the Army Cadet Force values to the full, as well as his selfless commitment and dedication to worthy causes.
The Army Cadet Force motto is ‘To Inspire, To Achieve’; the adult Army Cadet staff inspire the cadets, but often the efforts of the young cadets also inspire the adults. The Army Cadets are the nation's soldiers of the future and there's no greater feeling than seeing the cadets thoroughly enjoying uniformed and un-uniformed activities and receiving positive comments from members of the community outside the Army Cadets.
Cadet Aaron Park has fulfilled all the aspects of the Army Cadet Values and has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Aaron’s parents, Charlotte and Derek, said: “It was an honour to be invited to the Somme commemoration service and the presentation ceremony afterwards. The award was kept as a big secret from Aaron - he was so surprised! As parents and a forces family ourselves we are immensely proud of Aaron’s achievements.”
On Saturday 3rd July Aaron then received Player of the Year for his 14s team at Catterick Garrison Football Centre. Mum Charlotte said: “What can I say, he’s having the best week ever!”
Risedale School Headteacher Colin Scott said: “For Aaron to receive two such prestigious awards in one week is absolutely fantastic!
We know that Aaron’s dedication to the Army Cadet Force will be an inspiration to many of our pupils. We applaud his hard work and celebrate his kindness in wanting to help other service families.
Receiving Player of the Year for his football club in the same week is the icing on the cake - well done Aaron!”
