Annual Award Winners
Our cadets compete annually for a variety of award voted on by cadets, officers, or external community organizations.
2024-25 Awards
Awards From Previous Years
Squadron Accomplishments
Congratulations Flight Sergeant Abigail Cormack!!
Awarded the Kings Coronation Award in Squadron year 2024/25
Introduced to mark the ascension of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada a province, territory, or community of Canada. The medal was awarded in recognition of Flight Sergeant Abigail Cormack’s exceptional commitment to community service, having consistently dedicated time and effort to volunteer initiatives that promote growth, inclusivity, and support.
Flight Sergeant Abigail Cormack regularly volunteers when called upon to support her squadron and has supported her community by volunteering with the Erin Agricultural Society, the Hillsburgh Garden Club, the Rotary Club, the Erin Legion as well as through her Girl Guide Unit, her school, and the community of Guelph. She was the recipient of the 2022 Citizenship Award for her community involvement and the 2022 Keith Smith Trophy as the best all-round first year cadet. She is also representing her community and the Erin Agricultural Society as the 2024 Junior Ambassador.
Flight Sergeant Buttigieg Attending Glider Pilot Training Course
The Air Cadet Program in Canada offers Glider Training opportunities for any Cadet that is interested in becoming a Glider Pilot. At 13 years old Flight Sergeant (Fsgt) Max Buttigieg knew his dream was to fly his own aircraft after visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. To accomplish his goals Fsgt Buttigieg attended the Advanced Aviation course at Blackdown CTC when he was 15 with the rank of Flight Corporal where he solidified his dream of becoming a Pilot. In order to qualify for a Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence, Fsgt Buttigieg first needed to attend Flight Scholarship classes online with the Moncton Flying School, pass the Summer Flight Scholarship Exam, have proficient School Academic Transcripts, have a proficient Cadet Record, receive a Letter of Recommendation, pass a medical exam, meet the required height, weight and age range as well as successfully impress several interview panelists. Once accepted into the Glider Pilot Training course at St Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec he traveled by plane with Porter Airlines to attend summer training for a duration of six weeks. There Fsgt Buttigieg had to complete 20 solo flights, pass a flight test with a Chief Flight Instructor as well as pass the Transport Canada exam. He completed 54 flights of which 24 were solo for an overall flight time of 10 hours. After one's first solo flight, it is a pilot tradition to be thrown in a tub of water and is called a solo bath, Fsgt Buttigieg’s solo bath can be seen in the provided image. While at summer training Fsgt Buttigieg struggled with getting enough sleep due to the high amount of studying, which is common throughout the course and for Fsgt Buttigieg as he believes the key to success is consistently putting in needed work. In the near future Fsgt Buttigieg plans on going to The Power Pilot Training Course to get his Private Pilot’s License.
242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadets Warrant Officer First Class Mithra Chothia’s Message
As we roll into another outstanding training year we have had many updates since our last parade night. At our most recent Annual Review Ceremony, Mithra Chothia was awarded the position of Warrant Officer First Class 242 Ross Ferguson Air cadets. This is the highest rank one can achieve and it is a great honor to be awarded.
Like many Cadets, WO1 (Warrant Officer First Class) Chothia joined the Cadets because he had siblings in the program. He says that “It was not something I personally wanted to do at first, back then, I never really knew the impact it could have on someone”. WO1 Chothia decided he would try Cadets out, as it was only one night a week, and was not a huge commitment. Over time he realized how much the Cadet Program had to offer and how much he could gain from the program. “It gave me structure, purpose, and it pushed me to grow in ways I never would have expected,” he said. He also stated “What started as something just once a week became one of the most important parts of my life, with me leading others at least 3 times a week."
WO1 Chothia is the newest Warrant Officer First Class of 242, and among other cadets, he has been inspired and influenced by the past WO1’s of our squadron. Wo1 Chothia says that every one of the WO1 that led him have influenced his career as a Cadet, but none has been as impactful as our past Chief Retired Warrant Officer First Class Margaret Hood. He, like most Cadets speaks very highly of Retired WO1 Hood, as demonstrated by this quote “She didn’t just hold the position with authority. She truly mentored me and took the time to personally guide me, push me, and help me grow as both a Cadet and as a leader. It wasn’t just about giving orders; it was about investing in people”. WO1 Chothia says that he aspires to be like Retired Wo1 Hood. He wants to be someone who leads by empowering others and leaves their Cadets in a better position than they found them. WO1 Chothia is already shaping up to be an amazing Chief and the training year has just begun. There is no doubt that this year's cadets are going to be greatly impacted by WO1 Chothia’s enthusiasm, commitment and goal to have all cadets succeed.
The Cadet program teaches Cadets many important life skills and lessons that will benefit them with their future careers. WO1 Chothia says that the most important lesson that he has learned in Cadets is “Being in a higher position than others doesn’t mean you should be the loudest person in the room; it means inspiring others and empowering them to be the best version of themselves. True leadership is about lifting others, making sure they feel capable on their own, and helping them find their confidence and skills”.
When WO1 Chothia was asked what his message to all the Cadets in 242 was, his words of wisdom were “Don’t wait to be ready, or you’ll be waiting forever. The cold water doesn't get any warmer if you wait to jump in.” You grow while you’re in it. I used to think I had to be perfect before I could take on a new opportunity, but that’s not true. Take the chances you get, even if you’re nervous. The program gives back exactly what you put into it, so push yourself, stay consistent, and stay humble. You’ll be surprised at how far you can go.”
We at 242 are extremely lucky to have yet another dedicated Warrant Officer to lead and inspire all of the Cadets. WO1 Chothia will instill confidence in the Cadets so that they can succeed in the future whether that is with Post Secondary Education, with a career or with everyday life. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Warrant Officer First Class Mithra Chothia will lead our squadron with confidence, compassion and enthusiasm.
By Sergeant Elizabeth Smith.
Flight Sergeant Abigail Cormack Our latest Erin Fall Fair Junior Ambassador
This year marks the 175th Anniversary of the Erin Fall Fair. The Erin Fall Fair is an annual Agriculture Fair that takes place Thanksgiving Weekend every Fall. Each year people from the age of 12 to 18 that reside or go to school in the Town of Erin compete for the title of Junior and Senior Fall Fair Ambassador. Last year our very own Abigail Cormack competed for the role of Junior Fall Fair Ambassador. After giving a heartfelt speech, completing an interview and taking a test on Community and Fair knowledge, Flight Sergeant Cormack won the title of Junior Fall Fair Ambassador!
When asking Flight Sergeant Cormack why she wanted to be the Jr. Fall Fair Ambassador she said “I wanted to be the Erin Fall Fair Junior Ambassador because I always loved participating in the junior crafts and baking competitions, as well as observing the horse shows, truck and tractor pulls and the derby.” Flight Sergeant Cormack hoped that “by being the Jr. Ambassador she would be able to better understand the Fair and the efforts put into the Fair”.
The role of Junior Fair Ambassador teaches many lessons, skills and provides memorable experiences. Flight Sergeant Cormack Said that “As the Erin Fall Fair Ambassador I've been able to learn about agriculture, the Erin Agricultural Society as well as how the Erin Fall Fair is run, and all the effort put into it every year. I have also had the opportunity to expand my public speaking skills.”
The Cadet Program also teaches valuable life lessons that benefits Cadets inside and outside of the Cadet world. Fight Sergeant Cormack has said that the skills and experiences she gained as a Cadet at 242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadets greatly benefited her confidence when running for Ambassador. She said “The Cadet Program helped me improve my public speaking skills. Before I started Effective Speaking through the Cadet Program I was barely able to present with volume, eye contact or confidence thanks to Cadets I have the ability to confidently present in front of an audience of any size at any time. The cadet program has also helped me be more involved within my Community pushing me to learn about and become the Erin Fall Fair Junior Ambassador.”
As Summer changes into Fall it is that time for the youth in our community to start thinking about running for Fall Fair Ambassador. Flight Sergeant Cormack wants everyone who is thinking about running this Fall to know that “It is a great opportunity to learn more about our community, how the Fair operates and the people who make it all possible. Fellow competitors and Fair volunteers are encouraging and helpful so even if you don’t win you improve your presentation and public speaking skills. It is a rewarding experience that I will never forget.”
242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadets wants to officially congratulate Flight Sergeant Abigail Cormack on her outstanding accompaniment! Every Cadet at 242 is lucky to have such a dedicated community member to be a role model.
By Sergeant Elizabeth Smith
Past News
Press clippings from recent 242 Squadron activities
242 Squadron is an integral part of community life in our area. Here is a selection of clippings from our local press, highlighting some of the activities we have contributed to that have been recognized by the local community.
PLEASE CLICK ON A PRESS CLIP TO READ
 WO1 Stuckless RetiresJeck out this article for her career in review |  Dornhoff writes about Covid-19 affects on cadetsExplore how the program navigated stay home orders, and continued to provide meaningful leadership training to cadets. |  WO1 Dornhoff CommendationCongratulations to WO1 Dornhoff on receiving the Regional Certificate of Commendation for Leadership. |
|---|---|---|
 WO2 Crook First FlightWO2 David Crook made his first solo flight as part of the Private Pilot’s Scholarship Course in London, Ontario. |  Flight Sergeant Jacob Dutton first solo flightFlight Sergeant Jacob Dutto made his first solo flight as part of the Glider Pilot Scholarship Course at Gimli Cadet Flying Training Centre in Gimli, Manitoba. |  On Juno BeachDDay 75 on Juno Beach. Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible! |
 OPC awards |  dutto newspaper |  dday article |
 FSgt Crook - Optimist Essay Winner |  trenton newsarticle |  catch the ace |
 fundraiser article |  catch the ace presentation news article. |  effective speaking advocate 2019 |
 advocate optimist TV presentation 2019 |  Cadets hold garage sale fundraiser July |  Wellington Advertiser - 15 years - Annua |
 Article - 15 Years Ross Ferguson Squadro |  The Wellington Advertiser - 12 April 2018 - We are keepers of History (1) |  Erin Advocate article Legion Presentation 2018 |
 Advocate December 1 2017 Santa Claus Parade - 1 |  Santa Claus parade 2 |  Wellington Advertiser - Remembrance Day 2017 |
 Wellington Advertiser Remembrance Day Photo 2017 |  WO2 Evan Moore earns pilot wings August 2017 |  Squadron Flag PresentationMay 1, 2017 - Squadron flag presented at CO's Parade by Gary Ferguson |
 Vimy Ridge Memorial ParadeApril 9, 2017 - Cadet march with members of the Legion and other special guests. |  Vimy Wreath Laying |  The Ceremony & March |
 The Wellington Advertiser - 24 March 2017 - Effective Speaking-page-0 (2) |  Advocate Article - Lasagna Dinner | image2017-03-24-170652-1 (2) |
 March 17th 17 article Lasagna Dinner |  Legion 442 Sponsor PresentationAir Cadet Liaison to the Legion, Rose Ostrander; CO Captain Kate Yap, Poppy Fund Coordinator Verna Bludd; SSC Chair Connie Ryan-Bennett |  SSC Wins Awards 2016 |
 Wellington Advertiser Remembrance Day 2016-11-15-164825-1_edited |  Erin Advocate Remembrance Day 2016-11-15-164754-1_edited_edited |  The Advocate - 07 September 2016 - Letter to the Editor-page-0 |
 Aug 31 The Advocate - article Dana Bennett Aerospace Course |  Cadets go gliding April 2016.jpg |  The NewTanner ES ROC #2 Article March, 2016.jpg242 Representative was Cpl Crook 9th in from the left. Crook's prepared speech was on "why become an organ donor" and the impromptu speech topic was "what does success mean to me?" |
 Norfolk Trip Article Advocate March 23 2016.jpg |  Thank you Ad in Advocate March 2 2016-1.jpg |  Presentation from Legion for Poppy Campaign Feb 9 - Advocate March 2 2016.jpg |
 Optimist Donations 2016 - Advocate Article Feb 10.JPG |  Fire Hall Visit 2016 - Advocate Article.JPG |  Erin Advocate February 3 2016.jpgPearson Airport Control Tower Tour 2016 |
 Remembrance Day 2015.jpgPhotos from Ceremony 2015 |  Remembrance Day 2015.jpgWO2 Stephen Graydon |  Remembrance Day 2015.jpgFcpl Connor Bennett during sunrise ceremony November 8, 2015 |
 Advocate Article October 28 2015 242 Ross Ferguson_edited.jpgPromotions and COs Inspection |  Erin Advocate Annual Review group photo June 17 2015.jpg |  Retiring Cadets Annual Review 2015 - Erin Advocate June 17_edited.jpg |
 Annual Review Erin Advocate June 2015_edited.jpg |  Advocate Article - Mark Keir - Belgium.jpg |  WO1 Mark Keir article Wellington Advertiser 2015-06-04-130248-1_edited.jpg |
 Wellington Advertiser - March 13 2015 - Lasagna Dinner Raises $4185.jpg |  Advocate March 11 2015 - Lasagna Dinner a Fantastic Community Event - Letter to |  Advocate Article - March 11 2015 - Lasagna Dinner.jpg |
 Advocate Article March 4 2015 - Lasagna Dinner Letter to the Editor.jpg |  Advocate February 18 2015 - Optimist Presentation of Prizes for Lasagna Dinner.j |  Wellington Advertiser Article Feb 20 2015 - Presentation from the Legion.jpg |
 Advocate Wednesday, February 11, 2015 - Legion Presentation of Cheque to Cadets. |  Wellington Advertiser Article Feb 20 2015 - Biathlon Team 2015 - January 28th Me |  Advocate Wed Feb 11 2015 - Biathlon Team Results.jpg |
 Wellington Advertiser Article Feb 20 2015 - Warplane Museum Trip from January.jp |  Advocate Article - February 19 - Optimist Presentation to Cadets 2015-page-0.jpg |  Advocate Article - Legion Presentation 2015.jpg |
 Advocate Article - Biathlon Team 2015 results 1.jpg |  Warplane Museum Article Jan 21 2015 The Advocate.jpg |  Erin Air Cadets Helping our Community - Dec 26 2014 The Advocate.jpg |
 Erin Air Cadets Helping Their Community - Dec 26 2014 Wellington Advertiser.jpg |  Erin Advocate Article - WO1 Mark Keir November 12 2014 - earns his wings.jpg |  Erin Advocate Nov 12 Remembrance Day 2014 - Cenotaph Ceremony - Sgt Irving Kerr |
 Erin Advocate Change of Command October 22 2014.jpg |  Air Cadet Legue of Canada Awards Program 2014.jpg |  Awards Program page 2 signed by Keynote Speaker 2014.jpg |
 WO1 Mark Keir Runner Up for Cadet of the Year 2014.jpg |  Know Your Community Article July 2 2014.jpg |  Annual Review - Wellington Advertiser July 11 2014.jpg |
 Annual Review 2014 Erin Advocate.jpg |  Annual Review 2014 - presentation Erin Advocate.jpg |  Annual Review Award Winners 2014 - Erin Advocate.jpg |
 June 5th Wellington Advertiser WO1 Keir receives scholarship-page-0.jpg |  2013 Editorial |  2013 Annual Review Part 1 |
 2013 Annual Review Part 2 |  2013 Chris Hadfield / WO2 Mark Keir |  2013 Fall Gliding |
 2013 Remembrance Day Front Page |  2013 Remembrance Day Inside |  2013 Fall Gliding |
 2013 Cadets donate to EWCS |  2014 Legion Donation |  2014 Legion Donation |
 2014 Lasagna Dinner |  2014 Seniors + Veterans Annual Dinne |  2014 9th Annual Lasagna Dinner |
 2014Optimist Donation Lasagna Dinner |  2014 Skiday Biathlon+Shooting Teams |  2014 Level 5 Cadets to Trenton |
 2014 Level 5 Cadets to Trenton |  Cadets Tagging Advocate April 16 '14 |  2011 Alan Crocker wins Top Awards |