The 2018 Hubbell Scholarship Recipients


The Hubbell Awards Inc. Scholarship Recipients and Presenters, Manitoba Legislature, September 21, 2018.

At a formal ceremony on Friday, September 21, 2018, the 2018 Hubbell Awards were presented to nine Manitoba Cadets. These Cadets, three Sea Cadets, one Army Cadets and five Air Cadets, were chosen from over 20 highly qualified applicants. The Hubbell Award recipients; their families; the host, Mr. Jon Reyes, MLA; the guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Christopher Ireland, USAF; other serving Cadets, who could be potential nominees next year; and other dignitaries, attended the ceremony in the Manitoba Legislative Building.

This year's ceremony began with introductory remarks from BGen (Retd) Eldren Thuen, President - Hubbell Awards Incorporated and Mr. Jon Reyes, St Norbert Member of The Legislative Assembly and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. These remarks were followed by a keynote address from Brigadier General Christopher J. Ireland, Deputy Commander, Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Region, and Deputy Combined/Joint Force Air Component Commander for 1 Canadian Air Division, on the occasion of NORAD's 60th anniversary.

After the speeches, the scholarships were presented to the Cadets. In addition to The Hubbell Awards scholarships, each of the Cadets received a bursary from the Manitoba Government. Presenting those bursaries, on behalf of the Manitoba Government, was Mr. Jon Reyes, St Norbert Member of The Legislative Assembly and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs.

A reception, in the Rotunda of the Manitoba Legislative Building, followed the presentation of the scholarships.

View the programme and all the pictures from the 2018 Awards Ceremony. (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging)

2018 Guest Speaker

Brigadier General Christopher J. Ireland, United States Air Force
Deputy Commander, Canadian NORAD Region
Deputy Combined/Joint Force Air Component Commander 1 Canadian Air Division

Brigadier General Christopher J. Ireland is the Deputy Commander, Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Region, and Deputy Combined/Joint Force Air Component Commander for 1 Canadian Air Division, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is the principal adviser to the Canadian Commander and assumes command of NORAD forces assigned to CANR in the commander's absence. General Ireland is responsible for ensuring that the region's battle staff, air operations center, flying units, radar sensors, intelligence and command-and-control assets provide airspace warning and control and space and maritime warning. He is the senior U.S. Air Force officer in Canada and is responsible for mission effectiveness and administration of U.S. Air Force units assigned to Canada.

General Ireland graduated from Virginia Tech earning his commission through the ROTC program. Over the course of his career, he participated in multiple combat and contingency operations in Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, Kosovo and Colombia, including three command tours in combat. Additionally he fulfilled a staff assignment with the International Security Assistance Force (NATO) in Kabul, Afghanistan.

As a staff officer, Brig. Gen. Ireland served with The Joint Staff’s Pakistan-Afghanistan Coordination Cell, and prior to assuming his current position, served at U.S. Special Operations Command as the Commanding General’s Special Assistant/Director of the Commander’s Action Group, and subsequently as the Strategy, Plans and Policy Deputy Director.

To view all pictures with Brig. Gen. Ireland click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Surgeon Captain Gordon P. Fahrni, DSC, MD Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Laura Los
49 RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC

Cadet CPO2 Laura Los will attend the University of Manitoba this Fall to pursue a degree in Music Education with a minor in Science and would like to teach Music at the elementary to high-school level.

She has been a Sea Cadet for the last five years and was Chief of the Band at her Corps. In 2016 she was the Junior Cadet of the Year. She has attended three summer training camps and has completed her General Training Course, Basic Seamanship course and the Intermediate Sail Course. She placed third in the 2017 BC 420 Sailing Championships Silver Fleet and achieved second place in the Sail Trade Regatta – Club 420 Intermediate Sail Fleet.

She has volunteered extensively in the Community most notably at Art in the Park, the Children’s Museum, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Santa Shuffle, WE Day, the Santa Clause Parade and the Manitoba Robot Games.

She was intimately involved in the development of the Cadets in her Corps. She has participated in Biathlon, was a member of her school’s Dragon Boat Team and played rugby. She enjoys dancing and danced with the Iskry School of Dance participating in Folklorama from the age of five and she does swing dancing and social dancing to stay fit.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO2 Laura Los click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Manitoba Navy League Division Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Madelaine Ricard
60 RCSCC Swiftsure

Cadet CPO2 Madelaine Ricard will be attending the University of Manitoba this Fall and plans to be a Forensic Anthropologist and an author.

During her time with Sea Cadets she has completed her General Training, Basic Seamanship Training and Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Courses, all at HMCS Quadra. This past Summer she was a Staff Cadet at HMCS Quadra. She has participated in two Tall Ship Deployments in the United Kingdom and the East Coast of Canada.

She was recognized as the Top First Year Cadet and has received a 4 Year Service Medal and the Legion Medal of Excellence.

At her Corps she has been the Divisional Petty Officer, Corps Gunner, Drill Team Commander, Guard Commander, a Phase Instructor passing on her knowledge to Junior Cadets and President of the Corp’s Senior Mess Committee.

In her school she was a Peer Mentor and a member of the Yearbook committee. She enjoys photography, helping younger students with their homework and being a peer confidant. She has volunteered at the Samaritan House and soup kitchens, with Strays that can’t Pay, Fruit Share, News Express, her local Legion for Tag Day and Poppy Day, Fairview Citizenship events, with Rotary, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and the Canadian Diabetes Society. She was intimately involved in the preparations for the 100th Anniversary Sea Cadet Parade.

She played varsity basketball and was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Fitness Level Excellence.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO2 Madelaine Ricard click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Lieutenant Laurence Gillmor Sherman Award Recipient

Cadet CWO Sofia Yanez Meza
19 Portage Artillery RCACC

Cadet CWO Sofia Yanez Meza will be attending the Université de Saint-Boniface and plans to enter the field of Social Work and hopes to be able to work with immigrants to Canada, allowing her to do what she loves, helping people.

She has spent six years with Cadets starting off with Air Cadets completing her General Training and was Top New Recruit. She then joined Army Cadets where she was Top Silver Star, and then top Gold Star and completed her Master Cadet. She participated in the Vimy Ridge 100th Anniversary Tour and has attended many Field Training Expeditions. She has also instructed at her Corps. In her last year in Cadets she was appointed her Corps’ Regimental Sergeant Major where she continued to set an example for the Cadets to emulate.

She has been very active in her school, especially with the leadership programme les Jeunes Manitobains des Communautés Associées. With this and her Cadet leadership training she has organized a number of events, the most notable being a Community street event for the town. She has also volunteered for her Community’s Annual Festival and with Howdy Neighbour. She has also volunteered for Remembrance Day Services and Vimy Ridge Commemoration Parades.

She has earned the Bronze Level of physical fitness and plays soccer, badminton and volleyball.

To view all pictures with Cadet CWO Sofia Yanez Meza click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Janice and Barry Rempel Honorary Colonel's Air Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Nicholas Pasieczka
191 West Winnipeg Rotary RCACS

Cadet WO2 Nicholas Pasieczka will be attending the University of Manitoba to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace Option and hopes to work in the Aerospace Industry improving the efficiency of aircraft.

During his time in Cadets he completed General Training, Basic Fitness and Sports and Advanced Aviation. He received a Glider Pilot Scholarship, a Power Pilot Scholarship and this past Summer participated in an International Air Cadet Exchange in France. He participated in Biathlon winning two Bronze Medals and was the top biathlete in 2015 and 2017. He has received the Lord Strathcona Award, the Air Force Association Award, the Legion Medal of Excellence, the Young Citizen Foundation Scholarship, the Rockwell Collins Award and The Dodo Bird Club Award. In 2016 he was the Top Manitoba Glider Cadet and the Top Northwest Glider Cadet. He has competed in the Provincial Effective Speaking Competition, was Top Effective Speaker in 2015 and 2017, and in 2016 placed second and helped MC the National Competition. He has been Front Seat Familiarization rated on Gliders. He is a leader and instructor in his Cadet Squadron helping to train and inspire young Cadets.

He was Editor in Chief of his School Newspaper and member of the Student Council. He teaches Catechism at his Church, is Vice President of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy and was a Ukrainian Dance Instructor. He has helped with Bike Valet at Bomber games and volunteered at the Winter Heritage Classic and volunteers at the local Gliding Centre.

He stays fit with biathlon, boxing, badminton, cross-country, track and field, soccer, ping-pong and running marathons and half marathons. He is a lifeguard with a National Life Guard certification and has completed his Water Safety and Life Saving Instructor courses. He has completed all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Nicholas Pasieczka click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Flight Sergeant Fred Marean Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Nathan Muir
519 Swan Valley RCACS

Cadet WO1 Nathan Muir will be attending Brandon University to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemistry with the aim of pursuing a career in medicine. He hopes to practice medicine in rural communities and do his part to help his Community.

He has completed his General, Basic Band, Basic Aviation, Basic Drill and Ceremonial and Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Courses. He has been awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal, the Cadet Long Service Medal with Rosette and multiple awards for Top Cadet in his level. He was a Staff Cadet this past Summer. He has been responsible for instructing the Junior Cadets and his greatest accomplishment has been continually learning that leadership is about helping others and is a way to give back to his Squadron and Community.

He volunteered in his Community at different care homes where he played the violin for the enjoyment of the residents. He has also volunteered at a local library where he has mended and stacked books.

He has achieved the excellence level in physical fitness and stays fit by running and weight lifting.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO1 Nathan Muir click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Randolph Popplow, SBStJ, CD, BSc, BEd, MD, MSc, ABPM (AM), FACPM Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Sukhcharhat Dhillon
301 Allen McLeod RCACS

Cadet WO2 Sukhcharhat Dhillon will be attending the University of Toronto where he will be studying Commerce at the Rotman School of Business. His ambition is to eventually work in Diplomacy and then Federal Politics.

He was Top of Flight, Basic Fitness and Sports, participated in Biathlon and Effective Speaking, where he placed second in both. He received the Rockwell Collins Pilot Training Achievement Award, Glider Pilot Scholarship, Air Cadet League of Canada Service Medal, Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, Power Pilot Scholarship, and the Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal. He was Master of Ceremonies for the 170 Squadron Annual Ceremonial Review and participated in an International Air Cadet Exchange Scholarship to Australia this past Summer.

In the community he was a Facilitator Youth in Leadership: Lead Yourself 2018 Conference, was Head Boy at St John’s Ravenscourt, Regional Director Sustainable Youth Canada, Director Project Pulse Winnipeg, Parliamentary Whip Youth Parliament of Manitoba and St John’s Ravenscourt Committee Chair Youth in Philanthropy.

He has been an active leader in his Cadet Squadron as Commander of the Squadron Flag Party and also partnering with a group of Cadets in the Squadron creating “Cadets for Community” who focused on fundraising and volunteering for community groups such as Winnipeg Harvest. He has also been an instructor for those seeking Glider and Power Pilot Scholarships and was a staff member for many Biathlon competitions.

He stays fit running marathons, track and field, Biathlon, playing rugby and soccer, and enjoys coaching others. He qualified for the Cadet Standard of Physical Excellence, earned the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and a City of Winnipeg Youth Role Model Award for excellence in multiple sport disciplines.

Cadet WO2 Dhillon is currently attending the University of Toronto. LCol (Retd) Popplow made the presentation to Cadet WO2 Dhillon at an earlier date.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Sukhcharhat Dhillon click here (Photograph courtesy of Phillip Bingham).

2018 Honorary Colonel Ben Van Ruiten, MSM, CD Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Noann Kwak
82 Brandon RCACS

Cadet WO2 Noann (Bryan) Kwak will be attending the University of Manitoba and his goal is to become a dentist.

He has completed his Basic Survival Camp, was a Staff Sergeant and was Staff Flight Sergeant for the Basic Fitness and Sports Course, all in Cold Lake. He has been awarded the Lord Strathcona Trust Medal and the Air Cadet Long Service Medal. He was an instructor in his Squadron teaching drill, uniform and fitness classes. His aim was to set a personal high standard to be emulated by the Junior Cadets in his unit.

In his community he has been involved with; the Sioux Valley Church mission for Children’s Sunday School; the Rotary Club Book Club; Brandon Remembrance Day Ceremonies; Brandon Korean Church Worship team; the Major Production Crocus Plains play Hairspray; the Major Production Crocus Plains play Rock of Ages and Child Ministry at Cities Church.

He maintained his fitness with TaeKwon Do (Third Degree Black Belt), track, football, and rugby. He was selected as Athlete of the Year at the Betty Gibson School in 2014 and placed first in the 100m and 200m events at the Brandon high School Track and Field races. He attended the Manitoba Top Prospect Football combine in 2017 and was awarded the MVP Award. He has also earned the Cadet Fitness Badge Level of Excellence.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Noann Kwak click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Honorary Colonel (Retired) George E. Chapman Q.C. Award Recipient

Cadet FSgt Von Jamora
170 St James RCACS

Cadet FSgt Von Jamora will be attending the University of Manitoba studying Computer Science and hopes to work on the research and development side of our technology age hoping to influence the preservation of the Earth’s natural environment as well as helping to mitigate the effects of natural disasters or war and hopes to make the world a better place.

He credits Cadets with helping take him from shy, to competing in the Cadet effective Speaking Competitions in 2017 and 2018 and acting as the Master of Ceremonies at his Squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review. As well, he has developed other skills such as a good work ethic and working well with others. He enjoys instructing and at his Squadron has founded Cadets for Community which holds fundraisers and raises money for deserving charities such as Siloam Mission, the Main Street Project and Winnipeg Harvest, all to encourage Cadets to give back to their community.

He loves to volunteer and has volunteered with the 2016 Manitoba Air Show, 2016 Teddy Bear’s Picnic, St John Ambulance, Special Olympics Canada, Project Pulse, Student council, St Peter’s Parish Youth Apostolate and teaching Catechism at St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

He keeps fit through weight lifting, walking, running, biathlon, dancing and performing at the Filipino Pavilion during Folklorama. He has earned his Physical Fitness Level of Excellence and The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program Bronze and Silver Levels.

To view all pictures with Cadet FSgt Von Jamora click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2018 Royal Military Institute of Manitoba Award Recipient

Cadet CPO1 Zander Charles Dieter Wells
330 RCSCC Dawson

Cadet CPO1 Zander Wells will attend the University of Manitoba with the aim of becoming an Electrical Engineer. His goal is to create a future more dependent on renewable energy, and to make that happen, he wants to lead the movement that finds new and unconventional ways to harness the power of everything around us.

He has completed Basic Drill and Ceremonial, Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor, Fitness and Sports Instructor and was a PERI staff member at HMCS Quadra in 2017. He is Phase 5 (qualified) and First-Aid Certified and participated in Sea Cadet PCT Deployment and Vimy Ridge Pilgrimage in 2017. He was Top Junior Cadet, Top Phase 5 Cadet and Top Cadet in his Corps in 2017. He was his Squadrons Coxswain and was responsible for the training, drill and deportment of the Squadron’s Cadets and has set a high standard for them to emulate. He has been awarded the Lorette Optimist Club Community Service Award, the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, the Lord Strathcona Medal, the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit, the Navy League of Canada Award of Excellence and the 6 Year Long Service Award (2018).

In his community he volunteers to support children’s activities, helps in the organization of food hampers over Christmas for those in need, supporting Remembrance Day and has always exemplified what it means to be a good citizen, by showing respect to others, offering extra help wherever he can, and encouraging those around him to do the same.

As a fitness and sports instructor he has lead various sports activities at Corps, and as a PERI staff member at Summer camp has led hundreds of Cadets through many different sports and training activities. He has earned his Bronze Level of Physical Excellence.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO1 Zander Charles Dieter Wells click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).