The 2019 Hubbell Scholarship Recipients


The Hubbell Awards Inc. Scholarship Recipients, Manitoba Legislature, September 21, 2019.

At a formal ceremony on Saturday, September 21, 2019, the 2019 Hubbell Awards were presented to eleven Manitoba Cadets. These Cadets, three Sea Cadets, two Army Cadets and six Air Cadets, were chosen from over 23 highly qualified applicants. The Hubbell Award recipients; their families; the host, Mr. Jon Reyes, MLA; the guest speaker, MGen J.P.A. Pelletier; 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, Member of The Legislative Assembly for Waverley 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, Member of The Legislative Assembly for Waverley 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 2019 Awards Ceremony. (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging)

2019 Guest Speaker

Major-General J.P.A. Pelletier, OMM, MSM, CD
Commander 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region

In 1978, Major-General Alain Pelletier joined the Air Cadets unit of La Pocatière, Quebec where he earned his glider and private pilot licenses.

Major-General Pelletier joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1983 as a student pilot. After graduating from Royal Military College of Kingston where he obtained his Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, he proceeded with pilot training and received his winds in 1989. He was then selected to fly the CF-18 fighter aircraft.

Major-General Pelletier carried out four tours of operation flying and instructional training on the CF-18 at 433, 410 and 425 Tactical Fighter Squadrons. He participated in two tours of duty in the Balkans theatre, the second one saw him employed as part of Operations Allied Force, where he took part in combat missions.

Major-General Pelletier has had a number of assignments at the strategic level as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Air Staff, and to the Chief of Air Staff; as section head for air requirements for fighters and trainers, where he was responsible for the modernization of the CF-18 and for Canada’s activities in the Joint Strike Fighter program, and as the Director of Air Requirements in National Defence Headquarters.

He has held a number of command positions: Commander of 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, Commander of 3 Wing Bagotville, QC, Commander of Task Force Libeccio, the Canadian Air Component to NATO’s Operation Unified Protector over Libya. He also was the Deputy Commander Continental US NORAD Region based at Tyndall AFB, Florida, where he was responsible for the Continental U.S. daily air defense readiness in addition to the defense of the US National Capital Region.

In 2016 he deployed in support of US Air Force Central (AFCENT) Command as the Combined Air Operations Center Director where he was responsible for the planned and execution of the daily air tasking orders of AFCENT’s area of responsibility including Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. Promoted to his current rank in January 2017 he took on the leadership of the CAF Fighter Capability Program. Major-General Pelletier was appointed Commander 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region on 16 May 2019.

Major-General Pelletier is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Air War College where he received a Master of Strategic Studies. He is also a graduate of the Canadian Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC) and has over 3,000 hours of flying time, of which over 2,500 hours are in the CF-18. His interest in running and physical health had him nominated as the Canadian Forces patron for the sport of running in 2010 and appointed as Commander of Joint Task Force Nijmegen in 2014.

To view all pictures with MGen Pelletier click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2019 Surgeon Captain Gordon P. Fahrni, DSC, MD Award Recipient

Cadet PO1 Avery Walker
60 RCSCC Swiftsure

Cadet PO1 Avery Walker attended Vincent Massy High School and has enrolled at Brandon University where she hopes to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, with a minor in Psychology. She plans to further her education following her under-graduate degree by attending the University of British Columbia where she will take classes leading to a Master’s Degree in Conducting or Musicology.

Avery joined cadets in 2014 and was selected the top new entry and top band cadet that year. She has excelled at every level in both cadets and band and has attended the Annual Cadet Camp at HMCS Quadra, Comox, BC every year. She was named cadet of the week on two occasions, received the Master Seaman Excellence Award, and served as a Staff Cadet. Additionally, she was named Drum Major and served in that capacity at the Change of Command Ceremonies for the Commander of 19 Wing Comox. She was also selected as the Lead Saxophone for the Ceremony of the Flags in Victoria and Comox and was one of only four cadets to be on the Planning Committee for the Manitoba Sea Cadet Centennial Celebrations.

Avery has also been active in her community, participating in the YMCA Youth Leadership Program, the manning booths at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, as well as helping with many other community activities. As part of her community involvement she has also participated with various groups to help at the local soup kitchen and Samaritan House. She has also participated in concerts for the elderly at Christmas and on other occasions.

She is active in track and field at her high school, training as a long-distance runner. In cadets, she maintains her fitness by attending sail camps annually. Avery has achieved both the Silver and Gold Standard (x2) of Physical Fitness within the Cadet Program.

To view all pictures with Cadet PO1 Avery Walker click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2019 Manitoba Navy League Division Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Ryan Le
49 RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC

Cadet CPO2 Ryan Le graduated from Kelvin High School and will be attending the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology pursuing a certificate as a Graphic and Print Technician. His goal is to one day own his own graphic design and printing business.

Ryan joined Sea Cadets in 2103 and has enjoyed participating in many activities such as sailing, marksmanship and drill. He has attended HMCS Quadra for the Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course, the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course, and as a General Training Petty Officer. He was 2 I/C of the JTC VC Corps drill team that won the prestigious Golden Boot Award at the Tri-Service Drill Competition. By using the skills and knowledge he gained at HMCS Quadra, Ryan has been able to become an effective leader at his Corps, guiding junior and senior cadets alike. At the 2019 Annual Review he was awarded the Cadet of the Year and earned the Navy League Medal of Excellence.

Ryan has been involved in the PRIME Program at Misericordia Hospital assisting both patients and care givers in many areas. Additionally, he has been an assistant to the Grade 4 teacher at St Ignatius School, helping them with reading and sports activities.

He has earned the Bronze Level for Fitness and participates in badminton, weightlifting and long-distance running.

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

2019 Naval Officers' Association of Canada - Winnipeg Branch Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet PO1 Carter Millar
25 RCSCC Crusader

Cadet PO1 Carter Millar graduated from Miles Macdonnell Collegiate and will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. His ultimate goal is to become a Biomedical Engineer and to develop programs and products to help others live a better lifestyle.

Carter joined cadets at 15 and was put into a group of his age peers and had to accomplish Phase 1, 2 and 3 of his training in a single year, which he did. In this past year, as a Phase 5 cadet, he was responsible for teaching classes to junior cadets each week. He was also the “Parade Gunner” responsible for efficient and effective running of all parades at the Corps. He has been instrumental in helping develop new and interesting lessons and activities that will attract younger people to cadets.

Carter is involved in a number of organizations in his community such as VolunTeen and the Grace Lutheran Church. Through these entities he has volunteered at Winnipeg Harvest, the Siloam Mission and Deer Meadow Farm. He has also been an assistant coach for his younger brother’s baseball team for two years.

To maintain a high level of fitness, Carter has been involved in baseball, as both a player and assistant coach, and soccer.

To view all pictures with Cadet PO1 Carter Millar click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2019 Lieutenant Laurence Gillmor Sherman Award Recipient

Cadet CWO Eduarda Gibbert
2528 XII Manitoba Dragoons RCACC

Cadet CWO Eduarda Gibbert graduated from Virden Collegiate Institute and will be attending the University of Calgary in the fall. She will focus her studies on a Bachelor of Science Degree with Majors in both Physics and Chemistry, with her ultimate goal to be a Forensic Scientist and to assist with law enforcement.

Eduarda joined cadets in 2013, when her older sister was RSM of the Corps. She attended Vernon Summer Training Centre for 3 years running. In 2017, she participated in the Centennial Anniversary of The Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. In 2018, she was selected as a Staff Cadet at the Training Centre in Whitehorse, teaching Basic Drill and Ceremony. In 2018/19 she became she the RSM of her Corps and was again selected to attend the Whitehorse Training Centre, where she excelled. She has received the Service Medal, the Legion Medal of Excellence, and earned her Distinguished Marksman Badge.

Her community efforts revolve around her church where she has been an altar server for many years. She is involved in the training of other servers and she teaches Sunday School, as well. She also helps at the various fund-raisers run by the Corps, by serving food and cleaning up.

She has achieved the Gold Fitness Level. She maintains her high level of fitness by using a combination of a healthy and nutritious diet and daily workouts.

Cadet CWO Gibbert is currently attending the University of Calgary. Linda Wall, President of the Army Cadet League, made the presentation to Cadet CWO Gibbert at an earlier date.

To view all pictures with Cadet CWO Eduarda Gibbert click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging and Eldren Thuen).

2019 Honorary Colonels' Army Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet MWO Arshdeep Gill
2295 Royal Winnipeg Rifles RCACC

Cadet MWO Arshdeep Gill graduated from the Maples Collegiate and is attending the University of Winnipeg where he will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Kinesiology. He hopes to become a physical education teacher, fitness instructor and coach.

As a cadet, Arshdeep has attained Basic and Advanced Levels in Band, has taken the CF Basic Parachutist Course, and has taken part in both Regional and National Expeditions. He has also participated in Biathlons, and Marksmanship. He has received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence and the ANAVETS Cadet Medal of Merit. He was the Drum Major for the Rifles Cadet Band. He follows four basic tenets with respect to leadership: lead by example; know your troops and look after them; make sound and timely decisions; and treat others as you would like to be treated.

He volunteers with the Seven Oaks Hospital Gym as an assistant with the Gym and Swim Program, and as a volunteer in the Emergency Unit. As well, he was a member of the Peer Tutoring Program at the Maples Collegiate where he assisted many fellow students – this gave him a first-hand look at teaching.

Arshdeep maintains a rigorous physical fitness regime, participating in various track and field events, long-distance running, soccer and field hockey. He has participated in Cadet Biathlon and Marksmanship Teams. He attained the Duke of Edinburgh – Gold Level and was also awarded the Maples Athletic Award of Excellence.

To view all pictures with Cadet MWO Arshdeep Gill click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2019 Janice and Barry Rempel Honorary Colonel's Air Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Jeannette Comte
179 Morden RCACS

Cadet WO2 Jeannette Comte graduated from Ecole Regional Notre-Dame and she will be attending the Universite de St. Boniface in pursuit of a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, followed by attendance at medical school.

Jeannette started Air Cadets at age 12. She has grown within the program and has attended several summer camps. In 2019, she was appointed as Squadron Leader for the Squadron’s Annual Review. She has become an integral member of the unit preparing lessons and teaching leadership, drill, and goal setting. She has led several events such as survival camping, fundraising, parade nights and Remembrance Day Ceremonies.

Jeannette’s interest in health and community has served her well in her volunteering at the local personal care home. This work often put her in uncomfortable situations that taught her problem resolution, patience and a deeper understanding of various medical issues. She also volunteers in her school’s JMCA program, the Philanthropy Club and was President of the Student Council.

To maintain her physical fitness at an above average level, she plays a variety of team sports – volleyball, badminton, and track and field – qualifying at the provincial level in both badminton and track and field. Additionally, she has participated at the provincial level in Biathlon and continues to participate in this program within cadets.

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

2019 Flight Sergeant Fred Marean Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Evan Chan
170 St James RCACS

Cadet WO2 Evan Chan graduated from Grant Park High School and is attending the University of Manitoba. He will initially concentrate on attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, but hopes to continue his education with a focus on Electrical-Nano Systems.

Evan has participated at various National Cadet Camps including Honour Band, and Advanced Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance. He has also taken part in Provincial Marksmanship and Effective Speaking Competitions, Regional Biathlon Competitions and is a Level V Musician - one of only a few in Manitoba. He has been named the Top Cadet of 190 Sqn, the Top Cadet of four consecutive training levels, Top band Member, and has many more accolades as well.

Evan has volunteered in many fields including care for seniors, health care, music instruction and technical production work at Victoria General Hospital, and the Sim Kin Senior Care Centre. He has participated in various student councils and initiatives such as Sustainable Youth Canada and Project Pulse and he has made presentations to the Winnipeg City Council on environmental issues.

Evan has earned the highest level of physical fitness and maintains this level through participation in numerous sports such as badminton, track and field, and basketball. He is an avid marksman and biathlete, and he has competed locally and provincially in both.

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

2019 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Randolph Popplow, SBStJ, CD, BSc, BEd, MD, MSc, ABPM (AM), FACPM Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Beth Ladyka
301 Allen McLeod, VC RCACS

Cadet WO2 Beth Ladyka graduated from College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate and will be attending the University of Winnipeg where she will pursue a degree in Rhetoric, Communications and Writing as the precursor to attending Law School at McGill or the University of Manitoba.

Since joining Air Cadets at the age of 12, Beth has developed her personal leadership skills through attendance at a wide variety of Air Cadet Camps. She has attended Basic Survival, Fitness and Sports Instructor, Glider Pilot Scholarship Camps to name just a few. Her hard work resulted in the Legion Medal of Excellence, Awards as the Top Bandsman, and Top Marksman (Level 4) and culminated this past summer with an Air Cadet Exchange to the United Kingdom.

Beth believes that, being from a small town, volunteering at every opportunity not only benefits the community but the individual as well. To that end, she actively volunteers at the local food bank on a weekly basis, with the St James School Division preparing Christmas Hampers, and at numerous Aviation related events such as Young Eagles Fly Day, Women’s Fly Day and Girls in Aviation Day at Stephenson College.

A huge proponent team sports. and a well-rounded athlete, she has medaled in softball, ringette, hockey, and received awards in basketball, volleyball, and badminton. She attended the Fitness and Sports Instructor Course and returned the next year as a Staff Cadet to teach the course.

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

2019 Honorary Colonel Ben Van Ruiten, MSM, CD Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Dana Yoon
191 West Winnipeg Rotary RCACS

Cadet WO2 Dana Yoon attended Fort Richmond Collegiate and is attending the University of Manitoba in the Bachelor of Science Program. Her career aspiration is to become an Air Force Doctor.

An Air Cadet since Grade 8, Dana has attended the Basic and Advanced Aviation Courses and this led her to both the Glider and Power Pilot Scholarships and kindled her unending love of aviation. She also attained level 4 Marksmanship Qualification, the Excellence Fitness Qualification, and has been awarded the CO’s Award, the Lord Strathcona Medal and the Air Cadet Long Service Medal.

As part of her community endeavors Dana has volunteered at the Manitoba Korean School and her school, tutoring students in Korean, mathematics, and music. She is also involved in The Student Council, The Amnesty International Club, and The Manitoba Youth Education Organization. At her unit she serves a Deputy Squadron Commander and inspires the younger cadets by providing in-depth information relating to both the Glider and Power Pilot Programs.

Dana is involved in several activities to ensure a healthy lifestyle. She has achieved the excellence fitness level, and she is a Third Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and also instructs younger students in Taekwondo. She also enjoys cycling, dragon boat racing and Ultimate Frisbee.

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

2019 Honorary Colonel (Retired) George E. Chapman Q.C. Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Nicholas Lu
170 St James RCACS

Cadet WO2 Nicholas Lu graduated from Grant Park High School and will be attending The University of Manitoba with the hope of attaining a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and possibly a Master of Business Administration. He aspires to be a Financial Director and a member of the Canadian Forces Reserve.

In the summer of 2015 Nicholas attended the Basic Aerospace and Technology Course at the Gimli Flying Training Centre. This fueled his passion for aviation that resulted in his attendance at both the Glider Pilot Scholarship and the Power Pilot Scholarship Courses.

He participated in numerous other Cadet activities including being a Staff Cadet Sergeant for the Basic Aviation and Technology Course, being the Flag Party Commander and a Flight Commander in his Squadron. He has tutored other cadets, teaching ground school to those aspiring to attend the flying scholarship programs. He was also the administration cadet for the Manitoba Air Cadet Concert Band.

Nicholas has been a member of his school’s “Reach For The Top” trivia team since Grade 7. He is also a member of the Ethics Team and has participated at the provincial and national levels of the Ethics Bowl Tournament. As a member of the Chinese Cultural Association, Nicholas strives to maintain ties with his cultural traditions and customs by using his strong communication skills in both Cantonese and English to bring the younger and older members of the group together.

A physically fit Cadet, he has achieved the Bronze and Silver Awards within the Duke of Edinburgh Program, has attained the Gold Standard on the Cadet Fitness Assessment, the Bronze Cross in Swimming. He also enjoys biathlon, track and field and badminton.

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

2019 Royal Military Institute of Manitoba Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Dominic Donato
199 St Vital RCACS

Cadet WO2 Dominic Donato graduated from College Beliveau and will be attending The University of Manitoba in the Engineering Faculty hoping to gain a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Dominic has risen through the ranks of the air cadets and has attended numerous camps including Basic Aviation, Basic Survival, and both the Glider and Power Pilot Scholarship Programs. His first-place finish on both these courses led to his being awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for Aviation. He has also attained the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and should have the Silver level completed this year.

His community involvement includes helping the Legion during its’ Poppy Drive, assisting in the planning and organization of Remembrance Day Activities at his school. He has also volunteered at the Winnipeg Police Half Marathon, The Model United Nations assembly, Squadron Tag Days, and at his local gliding center where he encourages other young aviators in the pursuit of their dreams.

He has been involved in organized sports such as hockey and football, but also enjoys working out, walking, and playing hockey with friends and snowboarding.

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