RAF Air Cadet from Louth is best in country

A Louth RAF Air Cadet has come out on top from over 10,000 cadets across the UK to receive the Sir John Thompson Memorial Sword.
Cadet Warrant Officer Annie Cleve.Cadet Warrant Officer Annie Cleve.
Cadet Warrant Officer Annie Cleve.

This prestigious award is presented to the best cadet in the country, and Tetney girl, Cadet Warrant Officer Annie Cleve,18, battled it out against over 200 other Combined Cadet Force units.

Annie, who is a Sixth Form pupil at King Edward VI Grammar School in Louth has been praised for her efforts, which led to her to winning this prestigious award.

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Squadron Leader Paul Reeve, Contingent Commander at King Edward’s said: “Annie has been an absolutely outstanding cadet during her entire five years with us, and her achievements are staggering.”

He added that Annie had to overcome tough competition from some amazing cadets to be awarded the SJTMS, following her shortlisting and gruelling interview with two Wing Commanders.

Annie said she was very ‘honoured’ to receive this award.

“I’m both stunned and honoured to receive this award,” Annie said.

“I believe in making the most of any opportunities and was fortunate enough to attend a school that offered a Combined Cadet Force.”

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Annie also said that she has thoroughly enjoyed her time in the cadets, which has included the opportunity to learn to fly.

And she said she would encourage any younger students to get involved.

James Lascelles, principal of King Edward VI Grammar School said: “Our Combined Cadet Force is just part of what we are trying to achieve here. We aim to not only deliver a rich, challenging academic curriculum, but to also develop the whole person.”

He added that Annie is a fantastic example of a student making the most of her time at the school.

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Mr Lascelles also said, that not only is Annie a prizewinning cadet, she is also active in the performing arts and in sport.

She does all this alongside preparing for her A-Level examinations, which are due to start in the next few weeks.

Cadet Warrant Officer Cleve was presented with her award recently by the Commandant of the RAFAC, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty at the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) Award Ceremony at RAF Cranwell.

She will then be presented with the SJTMS at the Air Squadron Day, held at the Shuttleworth Collection near Biggleswade at the end of June.