Air Cadet Sgt. Lokman Wong won the Bronze Medal at the Regional Wing Effective Speaking Competition held in Ladysmith.
Sgt Wong expressed her excitement over this achievement.
“I am so pleased that I got Bronze at the Effective Speaking Competition,” she said.
She told the panel of judges: “See you next year!”
Sgt. Wong placed third out of eight contestants. She successfully delivered a five-minute prepared speech on “The importance of Youth building Canada’s future” and a two-minute impromptu speech on “Tell us the rules of your favourite game.”
Sgt. Wong has been a member of 363 Captain Brian Barker Squadron in Campbell River for the past year, previously she participated at 22 Red Knight Squadron in Powell River. She is an active participant in their Squadron and highly regarded by her peers. Sgt. Wong has applied for Glider Pilot & Advanced Aerospace Scholarships for which she will appear in front of a review board this coming Saturday as part of the application process.
The effective speaking program is an experience in individual development. The speaker’s own growth, measured against his or her own previous experience and accomplishments, is the most important feature of the competition. Air Cadets are aiming to be more valuable members of society. They are learning to organize and present ideas, opinions, and information in a logical, persuasive manner. They are building confidence in self-expression. They are taking responsibility for the most important skill of adult life – communication.
“Sgt Wong is an outstanding cadet, who prepared for this competition on her own. 363Sqn hasn’t had an effective speaking club in years, but plans are in the works to start this next cadet year so that all interested cadets will be able to participate,” said Tanja Shields, President of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets, in partnership with the Air Cadet League of Canada has been training youth in Canada for over 75 years. The Cadets are the largest government funded youth program in Canada with over 50,000 cadets across Canada, Air Cadets comprising half of that total. The Royal Canadian Air Cadets accepts youth between the ages of 12-18 who have a desire to learn more about the air element of the Canadian Forces, wish to develop the attributes of leadership and good citizenship and who wish to promote physical fitness. Air Cadet uniforms are supplied free of charge. While the program is military based, there is no obligation for a cadet to join the Canadian Armed Forces when he or she finishes their cadet career. Cadets are also encouraged to learn more about opportunities within Canada’s aviation industry. The Air Cadet Program has graduated some very notable Canadians such as astronaut Col Chris Hadfield, CBC Meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe and several members of the military performance flying team, the Snowbirds.
For more information on the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, visit www.cadets.ca. For more information about the Air Cadet League of Canada, please visit www.aircadetleague.com.