Geoffrey de Havilland Flying Foundation Prize Winners 2010
AIR SQUADRON TROPHY
MAIDSTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
MEMORIAL SWORD
CADET WARRANT OFFICER KIERAN BHAKTA – QUEEN MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, WALSALL
Kieran Bhakta joined the royal air force section of the combined cadet force at Queen Mary’s grammar school in september 2005 and has now risen to the rank of cadet warrant officer in this contingent of 330 cadets – all of whom are volunteers. From the outset of his service, it has been clear that he is an exceptional young man.
Kieran is an energetic and committed cadet and has played a full part in all of the activities of the ccf. He has attended 3 uk raf camps and a germany camp and has also participated in 3 army section camps. He has played a leading part as an nco in organising weekend training in wales and has been fully involved in the planning of field days.
He has a longstanding interest in aviation and was awarded a gliding scholarship in 2008 and successfully flew solo. He was awarded an air cadet pilot scheme flying scholarship in the summer of 2009. He has also been fully committed to the duke of Edinburgh award scheme and has achieved bronze, silver & gold awards. Additionally, he completed an air cadet leadership course in 2009 and has been selected for the international air cadet exchange scheme this year when he will visit the netherlands.
In school, he has not restricted his interests to the cadet force. He is vice captain of school, captain of 1st xi hockey, plays cricket for the 1st xi and chess for the first team. He is also a senior mentor for gcse and as level science.
Outside school, kieran is an active member of the 1st xi of walsall hockey club and an accredited level one hockey umpire and coach. He has worked for seven years to achieve a black belt (1st dan) in karate and has gained grade 8 (gold award) from the london academy of music and dramatic art. He has also been a volunteer at acorn’s children hospice, since 2008.
Kieran is held in the highest regard by all members of the school community. His contribution both to the ccf and the wider life of the school has been exemplary. His splendid academic record – 10 a* grades at gcse and 5 a grades at as has equipped him well to pursue his ambition to be a raf dental officer. He has a conditional place to read dentistry at the university of sheffield in 2010.
Despite his remarkable achievements, kieran is an unassuming and modest young man with a good sense of humour and is fortunate to have very supportive parents. He is a credit to his family, to queen mary’s grammar school and to the ccf. A worthy recipient of the sir John Thomson sword.
GEOFFERY DE HAVILLAND MEDALS
JOEL EDWARDS – CHICHESTER HIGH SCHOOL
Joel Edwards is head of CCF contingent at Chichester High School, has attended 3 camps and flown solo on his gliding scholarship. He achieved a distinction at the air cadet leadership course and has been nominated for the international air cadets exchange programme. He was selected for Welbeck College, but then withdrew his nomination, as he intends to be a pilot, rather than an engineer – which gives a clear indication of his focus for the future.
He has started working for his gold dofe, plays sports extensively at school and hockey for a local team. He enjoys cross-country cycling, kite surfing and surfing. He also plays the cello to grade 8 and is part of 2 orchestras in sussex; the chichester orchestra and sussex county youth orchestra.
MATTHEW HOWARD – VICTORIA COLLEGE, JERSEY
Matthew howard joined the Royal Air Force section of the Victoria College CCF in 2006 and is now head of contingent.
He is bright, keen, enthusiastic and pro-active, thoroughly committed, determined and highly organised. A senior prefect of the college, his academic record to date is exemplary with 13 gcse passes at A* grade, followed by 4 grade a at AS level. He is predicted to do well in his recent a levels after which he hopes to go to Durham University to read english literature - before embarking on his chosen career path as an officer in the royal marines. He also enjoys fencing for the island of jersey team and sailing to r.y.a. Level 3 standard, shooting and swimming.
Matthew has represented the cadet corps in regional and national competition, and has competed in the air squadron competition 3 times during his CCFcareer. He gained his silver solo gliding wings at RAF Odiham in 2008 and passed the air cadet leadership course with distinction in 2009. Matthew was awarded an raf pilot scholarship to solo standard at Tayside Aviation, which he also passed in 2009. He will be an excellent ambassador for the CCF (RAF) in Israel, having been accepted for the international air cadet exchange in july 2010, later this month.
MATTHEW MORRIS – WILLIAM PORTER SPORTS COLLEGE
Matthew Morris is head of the CCF contingent at William Porter sports college. He has attended 5 camps in uk, achieved A, B and bronze licences through the East Sussex Gliding Club and has been selected for the air cadet pilot scheme flying scholarship, which he has yet to complete. In 2009, he became the first RAF CCF cadet to complete the junior leaders course and has returned in 2010 to support this years course (a commitment of 8 months). He will also visit ghana in 2010 with the international air cadet exchange
Matthew is a school prefect, plays 1st XI hockey for South Saxons hockey club; competes for hastings athletics club at 100m , 200m and 3000m steeplechase and came 15th in British kayaking youth championships. He also plays the violin and enjoys skiing. I know that the ccf has been very important to him, so it will be interesting to see what he does next!
QUAMAR QUAZI – KINGSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Quamar Quazi joined the Royal Air Force section of the combined cadet force at Kingston Grammar school in September 2005 and is now head of the contingent, having helped establish the ccf as the extracirricular activity at school.
Always up for a challenge, quazi has siezed all the opportunities the ccf has provided. He has attended many annual camps, flown the hawk, travelled to JHQ Rheindahlen and will be on the international air cadet exchange to the usa later this month. He also thoroughly enjoyed the rigour of the air cadet leadership course in which he graduated with merit and as leader of the best flight, and has also participated in specialist CCF courses, such as the gliding scholarship, signals cadre and a fleet air arm acquaintance course, as well as feeding his passion for more extreme sports such as abseiling and rock climbing.
Quazi is also heavily involved in external clubs and societies. He went to raf honington for a course with the raf regiment gunners; is also a member of the air league, and undertook a flying scholarship , working towards a national private pilots’ licence; and travelled to eurocontrol in amsterdam to experience work in the largest air traffic control centre in europe. His other interests include shooting and rowing. In december he helped organise a 150 mile sponsored row with the rest of the contingent to help raise money for the st dunstan’s charity that provide help for blinded ex-service personnel.
Next year, he hopes to read physics at the university of exeter and will be trying for university sponsorship with the raf. He will be attending OASC this august and is intent on flying typhoons in the RAF.
OLIVER SMITH – MAIDSTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Throughout Oliver Smith’s career at Maidstone Grammar School, he has demonstrated an ability to think very broadly and contribute to not only the success of the school’s RAF section, but a wide range of activities. A solid and reliable student, Oliver achieved a pleasing portfolio of GCSEs. In the sixth form, he is studying a levels in technology, economics and politics, together with as levels in media studies and critical thinking. He has taken on a range of responsibilities in school including senior prefect and head of house. In both these roles he has demonstrated a responsible attitude, inspiring his peers to give of their all. He is a keen sportsman, enjoying outdoor activities of all kinds, constantly seeking out new ways to challenge himself and achieve new goals.
As a cadet oliver has been integral to the success of the school’s ground training team, leading them to retain the title this year in their 3rd consecutive win. In his leadership of the team, he has given up hours of his time, training up new and existing members of the team to his exacting standards. He has also availed himself of the many opportunities that the cadet force has provided, attending camps, adventurous training, as well as gaining his silver wings during his gliding scholarship. His humour, exuberance and a desire to get the very best out of himself, his peers and the cadets in his charge has shown that he possesses natural leadership skills.
WILLIAM TUCKER - HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
William Tucker joined the Royal Air Force section of the combined cadet force at Hereford Cathedral School in September 2005 and is now head of the CCF contingent.
A thoroughly conscientious individual, William has made the most of things. As well as attending annual CCF camps, he has been awarded his silver gliding wings and achieved an excellent result on the air cadet pilot scheme gaining a strong recommendation for further pilot training. A pass on the air cadet leadership course and completion of bronze and silver dofe expeditions are examples of his commitment and adventurous spirit. Not surprisingly, he has been selected for the international air cadet exchange visiting canada during july 2010. William has a long-held ambition to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force and hopes to join the University Air Squadron, whilst at Bath University.
On the sporting front, william also skis. He began racing at the age of seven, and has been improving his skills ever since, having been selected for the national ski team this year. He competes in both Welsh and English national championships and has enjoyed success. In the 2009 season he won a silver medal in the ‘junior 2’ slalom and a bronze in the men’s skier cross. He plans to continue.... He is also the captain of his schools 1st xv rugby team and has represented his county at under 16 level and his local club at first team level. He also plays for the schools 1st xi hockey team and the 2nd xi cricket team. He also enjoys rock climbing and “treading the boards” in school plays.
William sets a superb example to others and is a credit to the combined cadet force.
MATTHEW WEHRLE – THE JUDD SCHOOL
Matthew wehrle joined the Judd School Royal Air Force section of the combined cadet force in january 2007, and this year captains of the Air Squadron trophy team. Throughout his time with the CCF he has taken a fully active role in all activities and worked tirelessly to assist staff with administrative and organisational issues.
A thoroughly conscientious individual, Matthew has made the most of annual CCF camps, annual easter adventurous training weeks and overseas camps in cyprus & rheindalen. He also completed two first aid courses with the cadets, the initial youth first aid course, the activity first aid course and captained the judd school's successful first aid team, winning the regional event last year, and coming third in the ccf nationally. The team also represented the cadet forces in the national young grand prior competition. Matthew has been awarded his gold (agt) gliding wings and has achieved an excellent result on the air cadet pilot scheme gaining a strong recommendation for further pilot training, and a pass with distinction on the air cadet leadership course. Matthew is interested in a variety of music, does sound and lighting for school concerts and productions, enjoys web design and has designed the section website. He is also head cadet for the Bromley north volunteer police cadets. Matthew is also a school prefect, and has helped support the school in fundraising activities both for his own house charity, and for others including the rnli and Help for Heroes.
Matthew intends to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force, has passed the initial selection phase at oasc, and is currently awaiting results. (Good luck!)
JORDAN WHITWORTH - THE KING’S SCHOOL, GRANTHAM
Jordan Whitworth joined the royal air force section of the combined cadet force at the king’s school, Grantham in september 2006. And has remained fully involved with the contingent.
A keen and willing individual, jordan has consistently forged links with other contingents and made the best of ccf resources. He has attended camps at RAF Boulmer, Coningsby & High Wycombe and will be NCO i/c at this year's summer camp at RAF Cosford. During the easter 2010 he completed a gliding scholarship at RAF Hullavington and was awarded his silver gliding wings with a recommendation that he be accepted for further training, in addition jordan has signed up for the RAF sport parachute association 1 jump course later in the summer. He completed the 49 bde senior cadet instructors course in march 2008 and has started CCF leadership training. He is the drill nco and led the team to a much deserved 3rd place.
Outside school and CCF, Jordan is often involved in volunteer work for the local community, having taught pe in primary schools and helped run several sporting activities including cross country, football and rugby tournaments as part of his community sports leadership award. He also enjoys game shooting, lamping and ratting in local farming/forest areas, and is a keen ipswich town football fan.
Jordan would like to either pursue a career in the RAF as a pilot, or teach mathematics after studying at university, hopefully at Warwick. Jordan, i'm afraid you'll have to choose – because they are incompatible and you can't do both!
KERR WISHART – DOLLAR ACADEMY
Kerr Wishart is head of the Dollar Academy ccf contingent and has only missed one parade day in 5 years. More importantly, he is a lord lieutenant’s cadet. He has attended 2 camps in UK and took the gliding scholarship which he was unable to complete because of illness. He has the bronze DOFE award, is in the choir and chamber choir at school, but more impressively (maybe frighteningly), is
pipe major for the academy's pipes and drums band and Scottish schools pipe major champion.
On the sporting front, he is in the rugby 1st XV; captain of rugby Caledonia independent schools; caledonia schools U16 capt; and would have gone further had it not been for a hopefully temporary injury. He road races on bicycle, repairs and customises racing bicycles and is a volunteer helping young children to swim.
Most importantly, he intends to join the RAF as aircrew.
JOHN HOULDER PILOT AND ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP
THOMAS PITT
JOHN CUNNINGHAM PILOT AND ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP
NICK PEARCE
JOHN HOGG TROPHY
ANDREW MONK
Andrew Monk joined the air cadets at 13yrs, having picked up a brochure at a visit to the RAF museum.
It was only a few months after that that he had his first experience of flying and it confirmed his ambition to be a pilot. However, it was a work experience visit at raf benson that convinced him it had to be as a military pilot. He has worked assiduously towards this endeavour since that one fascinating week shortly following his 15th birthday.
Three years later and he can honestly claim to have gone some way towards achieving his goal: he is now a grade 2 glider pilot at 614 VGS: he is qualified as an “aerospace instructor” and he recently obtained his PPL. Apart from that, he has gained his gold deas award and is a padi qualified scuba diver.
Andrew has always been tall: he has always been right marker on the many parades he has been marching in – fortunately he also likes drill!
Andrew intends to join the RAF – as aircrew!
JOHN CUNNINGHAM BUST
CAMERON BUNCE
Cameron Bunce joined 1298 Huntly Squadron in November 2004 at the age of 13, and made it to cadet warrant officer last summer. An highly conscientious individual, he has made the most of opportunities put in front of him. As well as attending the annual camps, he has competed in swimming and field and track events, winning the regional long jump and 100 metres and being involved in numerous activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He was awarded the wing marksman badge and came 1st in the wappenshaw competition. He has been invovled in many aspects of the cadet organisation showing excellent inter-personal skills, leadership and organisational skills and is an instructor for the 1st class cadets. He takes pride in his appearance, is always well turned out, relaible and always gives his best. Unsurprisingly, he had a glowing report from the air cadet pilot scheme at Tayside.
Whilst still at school Cameron was involved in many aspects of school life, becoming a prefect and finally school captain. He was awarded the school trophy for leadership. He represented his school at the national championships in long jump and was also involved in fundraising, being an active member of the diced cap team raising considerable sums of money for spinal injuries scotland. He lists his hobbies as running and competing in trial bike competitions.
During his time at cadets, cameron completed a gliding scholarship and completed his advanced glider training at just 16 years of age. He progressed through the grade 2 pilot work up and grade 1 pilot work up in the vigilant glider within a year and is now a 'C' category instructor. He will be completing a 'B' category instructor course within the next year. He was also awarded the mike chrystal trophy for flying excellence.
Cameron is studing for a M.ENG in mechanical and electrical engineering at university and is also completing the raf preliminary flying syllabus with the University Air Squadron flying. Although given the honour of becoming the lord lieutenants cadet, Cameron could not accept as he had become an officer cadet at university. His ambition is to join the RAF as a pilot.
