The outstanding achievements of Cadet Warrant Officer Gilberto Algar-Faria, of Tufnell Park, London, were applauded at the annual Duke of Westminster Awards Ceremony for CVQO. Gilberto was a cadet with 48 (Hampstead) Squadron Air Training Corps until he recently turned 20 years of age.

At the ceremony and luncheon at the Royal Air Force Club in London in the presence of a number of VIP’s including the new Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper CBE, hosted by The Duke of Westminster, Gilberto was presented with the Edexcel Prize by Martin Cross, Chairman of Edexcel, for his infectious enthusiasm, his maturity and leadership.

Hosting the awards, The Duke of Westminster said, “It is always a delight to hear of young people, from all walks of life and all geographic areas, making a real contribution to society while enriching their own lives and prospects for the future. It has been a pleasure to host this event and meet such worthy winners.”

The prestigious Duke of Westminster Award is an annual competition organised by CVQO to recognise the most outstanding cadet from four cadet forces: the Combined Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps.

Gilberto was one of five top prize winners selected from 200 nominated cadets from across the UK for his outstanding teamwork and determination. He is studying a degree course in International Relations at the University of Leeds. He aims to be commissioned to begin officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, before taking on flying duties in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. He has also recently completed the All Arms Commando Course as a member of the Royal Marine Reserve.

Following the presentation Gilberto, together with four other prize winners, visited 10 Downing Street. On 16^th July, with the four other prize winners and four further runners-up, he departs for a three week expedition to South Africa where they will undertake an environmental awareness course in Kwa Zulu Natal and a cultural project working with and teaching orphaned children. In addition they will visit Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana and take part in a walking safari.

“This year was particularly tough in choosing our five prize winners, due to such high standards at the selection event. However, the cadets today have consistently demonstrated an exceptional contribution to society and to cadets,” commented Edward Woods, Chief Executive of CVQO and head of the selection panel.  “Each and every one of them is a credit to their family and their unit, and I offer them my congratulations.”

By coincidence, yesterday was also VQ Day, an annual national celebration of vocational qualifications and alternative education.