The 2024 Hubbell Awards Recipients


The Hubbell Awards Recipients, June 10, 2024.

At a formal ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, 2024, the 2024 Hubbell Awards were presented to twelve Manitoba Cadets. These Cadets, three Sea Cadets, two Army Cadet and seven Air Cadets, were chosen from many highly qualified applicants. The Hubbell Award recipients; their families; the host, Mr. David Pankratz, MLA; guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Jocelyn Schermerhorn; and other dignitaries, attended the ceremony in the Manitoba Legislative Building.

This year's ceremony began with introductory remarks from MGen Dennis Tabbernor, CMM, MSM, CD (Retd), President, Hubbell Awards Incorporated, Gen Raymond Henault, CMM, MSC, CD (Retd), Patron, Hubbell Awards Inc. and Mr. David Pankratz, Member of The Legislative Assembly for Waverley and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. These remarks were followed by a keynote address from Brig. Gen. Jocelyn Schermerhorn, Deputy Commander 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region.

After the speeches, the Hubbell Awards were presented to the Cadets. In addition to The Hubbell Awards, each of the Cadets received a bursary from the Manitoba Government. Presenting those bursaries, on behalf of the Manitoba Government, was Mr. David Pankratz, MLA for Waverley and Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. The three Sea Cadets received an additional honorarium from The White Ensign Club of Manitoba. Presenting these honorariums, on behalf of The White Ensign Club, was Mr. Phillip Bingham.

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 2024 Awards Ceremony. (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging)

2024 Guest Speaker

Brigadier General Jocelyn J. Schermerhorn
Deputy Commander 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region

Brig. Gen. Jocelyn Schermerhorn is the senior U.S. military officer in Canada and serves as Deputy Commander, Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Region, and Deputy Joint Force Air Component Commander for 1 Canadian Air Division, Winnipeg, Manitoba. She assumes command of coalition forces assigned to Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command Region in the Canadian Commander’s absence. Brig. Gen. Schermerhorn leads force employment of airpower, while ensuring the region’s battle staff, air operations center, flying units, radar sensors, intelligence and joint, all-domain command-and-control assets provide joint air, space and maritime warning and control.

Brig. Gen. Schermerhorn entered the Air Force in 1995 as a distinguished graduate of Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She earned her wings as a distinguished graduate of navigator training at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas and holds Master of Business Administration and Master of Strategic Studies postgraduate degrees. She has served as a flight commander, executive officer, Air Force Special Operations Command plans and programs chief of special projects, Special Operations Command South chief of air operations, squadron operations officer, squadron commander, joint special operations air component commander, faculty instructor, vice-wing commander and wing commander. Prior to her current position, Brig. Gen. Schermerhorn was the Director of Operations, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Brig. Gen. Schermerhorn is a master navigator with over 3,500 flight hours as a C-130E evaluator navigator, a MC-130H evaluator navigator, a U-28A combat systems officer, and a UH-1N observer navigator. She has participated in a number of worldwide contingency operations and is a veteran of Operations Joint Guard, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel.

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

2024 Surgeon Captain Gordon P. Fahrni, DSC, MD Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Wynn Loiselle-shire
49 RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC

Cadet CPO2 Wynn Loiselle will be attending the University of Saskatchewan in the Arts & Science - Bachelor of Arts program in the 2024 Fall Term with a goal of working for themself. University will allow them to develop their current skills in drawing, painting, pottery and other fine arts, expand their current techniques and learn from more people on how to do different things or explore new ways to do things and engage in the sharing of knowledge and skills with others.

In cadets they have received the Youth Excellence Award - Cadet and Junior Ranger Bursary Program from Canada Company, Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, The Navy League of Canada - Cadet Service Medal and, the Duke of Edinburgh Award – Silver. They have completed many courses and competed in the Northwest Sail Regatta and Regional Regattas where they were Top Manitoba Boat.

They have been involved in the community, supporting the Winnipeg Humane Society and were recognized by Winnipeg Harvest and received a Kids Who Care Award. They volunteer assisting other Cadet Corps and volunteered at their school. During COVID they sewed and donated over 400 masks.

They are the Chief of Training within their Corps, responsible for helping plan weekly training schedules, distributing the schedule to senior cadets. They ensure that senior cadets have signed up for teaching classes and designed and implemented the Corps current system to sign up for classes to teach.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO2 Wynn Loiselle-shire click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Manitoba Navy League Division Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Keona Mariel Vierneza
49 RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC

Cadet CPO2 Keona Vierneza is attending the Canadian Mennonite University with the aim of attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy Degree. She intends to practice music therapy within the Canadian Armed Forces, with a backup plan to join as a musician.

In Cadets she has received the six-year service medal, Gold Fitness Badge, Navy League of Excellence Medal (2023) and the John Jameson Memorial Scholarship (2023). She is a level 4 marksman and won the Gold Medal – Whitehead Competition (2019, 2023)and took first place in the Marksmanship Nationals (2023). She completed her CANSail 2, Level 2 Communications and SCOP 3. She was promoted to Chief in 2022. In 2024 she competed in the Manitoba Provincial Rifle Association match, getting first in the Tyro category, and competed in the Canadian Junior National Championships receiving the Bronze medal for females in the Daisy Rifle category.

She is a youth leader in her church and has been a “Big Sister” for 6 years. She enjoys her leadership role and teaching younger Cadets in her Cadet Corps. She has participated in soccer, cross country and badminton in School, reached level 9 in swimming, danced competitively with her high school dance team and received her Cadet Gold Fitness Badge.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO2 Keona Mariel Vierneza click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Naval Officers' Association of Canada - Winnipeg Branch Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet CPO1 Aylee Braschuk
330 RCSCC Dawson

Cadet CPO1 Aylee Braschuk plans to attend the University of Manitoba to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree and major in either biological sciences or biochemistry. Her goal is to have both an undergraduate degree and the prerequisites to be admitted to the College of Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba.

In Cadets she has attended summer general training, as well as music and sail training most recently at HMCS Quadra. She has received the following awards: Cadet of The Intake, The Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, Top Senior Cadet (Annual Ceremonial Review 2022) and Top Cadet (Annual Ceremonial Review 2023). She has her CanSail Level 2, SCOP Modules 1, 2 and 3, Music Level 2, is a Distinguished Marksman and has taken the Cadet Correspondent Course.

She partakes in many community volunteer events like community clean ups, community parades, Remembrance Day ceremonies and volunteering at "Family Fun Days”. She is the Coxswain of her Corps supervising Cadets, as well as taking charge of parades. As the senior ranking Cadet in her Corps, she is a role model for all the Cadets and ensures that her drill, dress, and deportment exceed standards at all times. As an instructor, she supports her superiors by being prepared with lessons and flexible to address any sudden and necessary changes to the training schedule. She ensures that all tasks that are given to her team members are completed successfully and on time.

At school she has participated and competed in badminton and track and field. She also participates and competes in Taekwondo. In Cadets she is involved in physical activity through marksmanship, monthly sports nights and the sport of sailing, achieving her CanSail Level 2. She also has her Cadet Silver Fitness level.

To view all pictures with Cadet CPO1 Aylee Braschuk click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Lieutenant Laurence Gillmor Sherman Award Recipient

Cadet CWO Tristen Darren Vincent
2701 PPCLI RCACC

Cadet CWO Tristan Vincent will attend the University of Winnipeg to pursue a career in Education and wishes to become a High School Science and Math Teacher. He plans to take the Integrated B.Ed Program working towards two degrees (one being Education).

He has completed General Training, was Top Cadet of his Platoon, and has a Level 3 Marksmanship (Expert) Badge. He has attended the Cadet Year 5 Workshop and a Cadet Music Clinic. He was selected to attend the Alpine Tour Regional Expedition, and was a Staff Cadet during the Cadet Activity Program (CAP) in the summer of 2023. He has received the following awards: Top Green Star (first year) Cadet, Best Gold Star (fourth year) Cadet, Best Bandsman, Top Shot (2022-2023), The Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence, and Army Cadet Service Medal (5 years).

He has volunteered with the Heritage Victoria Community Centre for the Poppy Campaigns and at his local grocery store during Community Day 2023. As his Corp’s CWO he has had the opportunity to command parades, organize fitness nights, and be a Section Commander on a Field Training Exercise (FTX) and is a role model for the Cadets in his Corps. He was also part of Student Leadership at his school, volunteering at Grace Hospital and running Student Leadership activities. He also played in his school’s rock band.

He has received his Cadet Silver Fitness Badge and was part of his school’s Cross Country and Curling teams. He has received many awards while playing hockey, including Hardest Working Player award in Stony Mountain Flames Peewee Tournament.

To view all pictures with Cadet CWO Tristen Darren Vincent click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Honorary Colonels' Army Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet MWO Mateo Villanueva
1226 Fort Garry Horse RCACC

Cadet MWO Mateo Villanueva plans to attend the University of Winnipeg to obtain a degree in 'East Asian Languages and Culture', a degree where you learn Japanese, Chinese and Korean history, culture, religion and languages, majoring in the Korean language. This education would also provide valuable skills and lessons in time management, self-sufficiency, perseverance, networking, communications and teamwork. His ultimate goal is to join the Canadian Armed Forces.

In his Cadet career he has attended summer training camps for General Training and Expedition Team Leader. He was the Top Gold Star Cadet' at his unit in 2021 and in 2023 received the Commanding Officer's Award. He also achieved Cadet Distinguished Marksmanship, Level 3 National Star of Excellence and Bronze Marksmanship Pin.

He has done over 900 hours of volunteer work. As a high school culinary and baking student he helped in the cafeteria, at sports tournaments in the canteen. He volunteered to cook for the Folklorama, Japanese Pavilion. In his Cadet unit, he inspires Cadets to take on leadership roles, including the new Cadets from Ukraine. He also teaches a martial art – kendo - within his unit.

He has achieved Cadet Fitness Excellence, Bronze Biathlon Pin and participated in the provincial biathlon championships. He has also played basketball and volleyball at school and in the community. In Grade 11 he started to practice Kendo and continues with that today.

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

2024 Janice and Barry Rempel Honorary Colonel's Air Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Malia Maciuszonek
249 Beausejour RCACS

Cadet WO2 Arianna Mackenzie Olivia Bergeron is a student at the University of Manitoba pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in General Criminology with a minor in Political Studies. She plans to apply for law school, become a police officer, or enroll in the Canadian Armed Forces.

She is her Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant of Training, Parade Commander and a Cadet Correspondent. She was awarded the Lord Strathcona Award, and achieved the Bronze and Silver levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She received the Garth Lowry Award for community involvement and received the Golden Boot for Best Dressed Cadet.

She was the Chair of the Student Leadership Council in high school and volunteered at East Gate Lodge and Holy Family Home personal care homes and was the valedictorian at her high school graduation. She is a Notetaker with Student Accessibility Services submitting her lecture notes to students who require accessibility services.

As she will “age out” of Cadets in July 2024, she has trained other senior Cadets to ensure a smooth transition of her roles to the future generations. She has also put in place an "NCO Survival Guide", a go-to resource for senior Cadets for any Squadron activity.

She has maintained a gold fitness standard throughout her Cadet experience and participated in volleyball, badminton, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, soccer, and swimming. She is now focusing on weightlifting and her goal is to continue her training and potentially begin powerlifting competitively. She has her 1st degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and will soon have her 2nd degree Black Belt.

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

2024 Flight Sergeant Fred Marean Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 William O’Donnell
220 Red River RCACS

Cadet WO2 Willian O’Donnell aims to study engineering, either aeronautical or civil engineering focused, at the University of Manitoba, and to also continue his development as a pilot and eventually become a pilot instructor for the Air Cadet Gliding Program.

He has received the Mel Johnson Award and the #4 St. James Legion Award, 2022 was the Top Level Four Cadet and has been awarded the Navy League Medal of Excellence. He has completed General Training, Basic Aviation, Glider Pilot Training, and Power Pilot Training. He is the squadron Drum Major and also plays tenor saxophone. He has helped develop a simulator and training plan for the Cadets in his squadron.

He volunteers with the JRK Millen Navy League Cadet Corps, Harvest Manitoba, helped create an interactive computer science class for students at Gonzaga Middle School, is Vice-President of his school’s honour society, the Maroon and White Society and has organized fundraising weeks in support of Inner-City Youth Alive and Ogijita Pimatiswin Kinamatawin.

He has achieved silver level in cadet fitness and is an avid cyclist which is a key part of his motivation to improve his personal fitness. He plays badminton at school and uses the gym for weight lifting to improve his overall fitness.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 William O’Donnell click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Randolph Popplow, SBStJ, CD, BSc, BEd, MD, MSc, ABPM (AM), FACPM Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Yekyeong Cha
191 West Winnipeg RCACS

Cadet WO2 Yekyeong Cha will attend the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Science in the fall with the goal of becoming a pharmacologist. She hopes to eventually get her Masters or PhD and help find different medications and cures for diseases and viruses.

In Cadets she has completed General Training Virtual Airport Operations and Military Band. She was the most improved biathlete in her first year, last year was Top Band Cadet, a level 4 instructor and a first Class Marksman. She is the Drum Major for her Squadron and is in charge of band practices. She is a good listener and very approachable, ensuring that her Cadets know that she is there for them.

She has volunteered in her school’s community outreach club that hosts different volunteer events and collaborates with different organizations within the community hosting multiple food drives, volunteering at retirement homes and hosting movie nights. She has been in her school’s student council and was elected Student Council President. She volunteers with the Humane Society and Biathlon Manitoba.

Physical fitness is something she is passionate about. She has participated in cross-country running, Track and Field, and biathlon, most recently as a member of Team Manitoba competing in Biathlon at the Canada Winter Games in February 2023. It was such a surreal experience that she could never have achieved if it were not for Cadets.

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

2024 Honorary Colonel Ben Van Ruiten, MSM, CD Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Arianna Mackenzie Olivia Bergeron
170 St James RCACS

Cadet WO2 Arianna Mackenzie Olivia Bergeron will pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Manitoba, a first step in becoming a forensic pathologist, while volunteering with 170 Air Cadets and remaining a City of Winnipeg lifeguard.

She started Cadets with 832 Twillick RCACS in Ottawa, participated in their drill team, took General Training, was a member of the Squadron’s flag party, was awarded the Legion medal, Cadet of the year for her level, and participated in the glider program. She was a member of the National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC).

As an Oak Park Raider she took part in the BIG SIB program, a program that is a peer-mentorship program that eases the transition to university and improving student life, and helped to deliver the Promoting Healthy and Safe Experiences program. She was a student council representative, co-chair of the Oak Park Pulse community, a member of the Youth and Philanthropy committee and also participated in a humanitarian trip to Kenya, Africa to help the people of the Muhaka and Tsavo communities.

She was a Flight Commander, a Training Warrant and as a WO2 leads her Cadets by example and conducted a skills and drills day. She is also a role model for her students at H2O Academy, Manitoba’s Premier Swim School.

She enjoys various fitness activities, is a rugby player, played badminton doubles, enjoys running - completing a marathon in 2019. She hiked up Marungu mountain in Africa. She swims to keep in shape for her National lifeguard qualification.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Arianna Mackenzie Olivia Bergeron click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Honorary Colonel (Retired) George E. Chapman Q.C. Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Cris Thaddeus Prieto
6 Jim Whitecross RCACS

Cadet WO2 Cris Thaddeus Prieto will attend the University of Manitoba’s Civil Engineering Program to become a Civil Engineer, with a goal to be part of a team that builds infrastructure to support our surrounding community.

In Cadets he qualified Level 5, was Top Cadet, Level 3, was promoted to Warrant Officer 2nd Class in 2023, received Bronze for Biathlon in 2023-2024, has his Marksmanship Proficiency and his Cadet Long Service Medal. He was also the Cadet Representative for the World Police and Fire Games.

He assists his community by being part of fund-raising projects collecting non-perishable food, clothing and toys for kids and assists in delivering Christmas hampers to those in need. He has volunteered at Winnipeg Harvest, a nursing home, volunteers in a group home with mental health disabilities, volunteered at the Sikaran World Competition held in Winnipeg, assisted in the annual Operation Firehall Donation Drive with Cadets and volunteered during Blue Bomber games. He is a member of Maples Met School Leadership Committee organizing activities that make a difference among students and communities. In Cadets he has received training in instructional techniques, drill, leadership and citizenship. He has represented the Air Cadet Program during Remembrance Day. Being an Air Cadet provided him with incredible experiences.

He has participated in cross country and track & field, attends the gym regularly and in 2022-2023, placed first in the Kilcona Peguis Athletic Conference championships 1x100 meter relay race. He has participated in biathlon, receiving a bronze medal in competition.

To view all pictures with Cadet WO2 Cris Thaddeus Prieto click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2024 Royal Military Institute of Manitoba Award Recipient

Cadet FSgt Krrish Bakshi
177 Air Canada RCACS

Cadet FSgt Krrish Bakshi will attend the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Engineering, with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer, intending to pursue further education in graduate school. His greatest goal is to succeed in his endeavours and repay the sacrifices that his parents have made for him.

He has taken the effective speaking program, competed with, supervised and coached the biathlon team, was a member of the drill team, reinstituted the Squadron’s flag party, completed the cadet correspondent course, took the Basic Aviation Course and the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course. He was the Top Level 3 Cadet and received the Long Service Medal.

He has volunteered with the Shaheed Udham Singh Sports & Cultural Club, is a Junior Mentor through CanU Canada, mentoring children in grades 4-6, is the co-founder of CanU Just Give It - a non-profit organization, volunteers with the Sikh Society of Manitoba, is a debate judge for the National Speech & Debate Association, volunteers with Winnipeg Harvest and the Golden Door Geriatric Centre, giving back to the community what it has provided him.

As the senior Flight Sergeant and the Level 5 NCO, he serves as a model for other cadets to follow. Physical fitness is a major aspect of his life. He has played soccer, volleyball badminton, run marathons, and is completing his bronze level in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program.

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

2024 Manitoba Moose Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Harshita Bhroat
6 Jim Whitecross RCACS

Cadet WO1 Harshita Bhroat plans to attend University of Manitoba to attain a Bachelor's Degree in physics and mathematics, in which she excels, with the aim of becoming a commercial pilot. While studying, she will be flying with Winnipeg Aviation to attain her commercial pilot's license.

In Cadets she attended Advanced Aviation attaining her ROC-A, attended the Air Cadet Glider Training Program, attended the Air Cadet Power Pilot Training Program earning her Transport Canada Private Pilot’s License and has received the Cadet Brigade General Commander's Coin.

She was on her school's Student Council, and holds an executive leadership position in the Youth Aid Society (YAS), organizing donation drives that collected essential hygiene products and food for the homeless shelters and raised over $1500 for sickle cell research. She volunteers at her Temple which has also allowed her to grow spiritually and has volunteered to teach Karate at the YMCA.

She was the Training NCO for her Squadron and organized a Field Training Exercise in October of 2022 where she was the activity RSM. She is now her Squadron WO1 focusing on teaching and enabling the current senior Cadets to be well rounded and effective leaders.

She has achieved a bronze-level biathlon pin and a biathlon achievement pin, played on her school badminton teams and has received her black belt in Shotokan Karate.

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