The Army Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) and the Royal Canadian Legion are pleased to announce that Canada’s most outstanding Army Cadet and recipient of the 2017 General Walsh Commemorative Sword is Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Clarissa Stoffelsen, from AB and member of the 2850 Grande Prairie – Loyal Edmonton Regiment Army Cadet Corps.
Ottawa – 15 August 2017– The Army Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) and the Royal Canadian Legion are pleased to announce that Canada’s most outstanding Army Cadet and recipient of the 2017 General Walsh Commemorative Sword is Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Clarissa Stoffelsen, from AB and member of the 2850 Grande Prairie – Loyal Edmonton Regiment Army Cadet Corps. An official ceremony will be organized by the Alberta Branch of the ACLC to have the Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, BGen Ray Romses, OMM, CD, present the Award to Cadet Stoffelsen in the following weeks.
The General Walsh Memorial Sword is the highest national prize for any Army Cadet. The award was created in 2004 by the Army Cadet League of Canada in partnership with Royal Canadian Legion, and named in honour of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Walsh, CBE, DSO, CD, who dedicated much of his time to the Army Cadet Program. Recipients of the award are chosen not only based on their performance as Army cadets but also for their community involvement and their academic standings.
Based on the various recommendation letters received from community leaders, her Commanding Officer (CO), teachers and from her peers, Cadet Stoffelsen has always proven herself to be a strongly motivated student, member of his cadet corps and citizen of her community, making her a strong candidate for this award.
According to the members of the ACLC in Alberta, CWO Stoffelsen exemplifies what an Army Cadet should be. Her overall performance at her corps is outstanding and her positive attitude is infectious to other Cadets.
Cadet Stoffelsen is also quite active within her community where she volunteers with many organization and is always proudly involved with all her corps activity. She particularly stood out in her role as Parade Commander on the 100th Commemoration of Vimy Ridge Parade held at The City of Edmonton’s Cenotaph and Churchill, this past April 9th . “As a newly appointed Chief Warrant Officer, cadet Stoffelsen was selected as Parade Commander for her distinct military appearance, her bearing and the way she carried herself. She was immediately tasked with organizing over 260 Cadets and prepare them for the arrival of The Reviewing Officer.,” said Mr. Ken Usher as he witnessed this young woman’s performance that day. ” Following the parade, the reviewing Officer, LCol Palfrey commented to me, that the Parade Commander was one of the finest Cadets he has ever seen in his 37 years while serving in The Canadian Forces. “ Mr. Usher added.
It is with her strong aptitudes in leadership and other great qualities that make this young woman an excellent ambassador for the Army Cadet Program.
As the winner of the Walsh Memorial Sword, Cadet Stoffelsen will travel to Ottawa, as the guest of the Royal Canadian Legion to attend the November 11th Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial, as part of the Vice-Regal party. Following the ceremony, she will also have the opportunity to meet both the Governor General and the Chief of the Defence Staff at the Luncheon for the Silver Cross Mother hosted by the Governor General at Rideau Hall.
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a federally sponsored program for young Canadians ages 12 to 18 that develops in youth attributes of leadership, good citizenship, and physical fitness, while stimulating interest in the Canadian Armed Forces. There are currently over 18,000 Army cadets in more than 400 cadet corps across the country.
The Army Cadet League of Canada is a civilian, community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. For over 40 years, the League has sponsored Army Cadets corps and solicited public interest for the program, all the while promoting the objectives of the Canadian Cadet Movement, in general.
For more information about this award refer to Policy 13.5 on our Awards page.
