The 2026 Hubbell Awards Recipients


The Hubbell Awards Recipients, June 15, 2026.

At a formal ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026, the 2026 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, Brigadier-General D.N. Brais, CD; and other dignitaries, attended the ceremony in the Manitoba Legislative Building.

This year's ceremony began with introductory remarks from 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 BGen D.N. Brais, CD, Commander, Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group.

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 2026 Awards Ceremony. (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging)

2026 Guest Speaker

Brigadier-General D.N. Brais, CD
Commander, Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group

Brigadier-General (BGen) Dominique Brais enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1991 through the Regular Officer Training Plan at the Collège militaire royal de St-Jean. Following completion of the Bachelor of Administration in 1995, she was commissioned as an Air Combat Systems Officer and completed training at the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Upon receiving her Navigator's Wings in 1996, she was posted to 14 Wing's 405 Long Range Patrol Squadron in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, where she served in CP-140 Aurora flying positions as an Acoustic Sensor Operator and Squadron Deputy Flight Commander. In 2001, she was posted to 404 Long Range Patrol and Training Squadron as an Instructor, Simulator Operator, and Squadron Deputy Operations Officer.

Following a transfer from the Regular Force to the Supplementary Reserve in 2004, BGen Brais moved to Ottawa and returned to full-time service, this time as a reservist in 2008. She served within the Military Personnel Command's (MILPERSCOM) Director Reserve Support Management in a variety of roles supporting the administration and career management of the members of the National Defence Headquarters and MILPERSCOM Primary Reserve.

In 2014, she was selected to attend the Joint Command and Staff Programme following which she was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and selected for employment within the Directorate Force Management of the Canadian Special Operations Command (CANSOFCOM). She held three simultaneous roles, appointed as the Commanding Officer of the CANSOFCOM Primary Reserves, and responsible for both the CANSOFCOM Selection program, occupation management, and during which she led the creation of a SOF occupation.

Promoted to Colonel in 2019, BGen Brais was appointed to the position of CANSOFCOM's Director Force Management, where she assumed the wide portfolio and responsibilities for the Command's military and civilian personnel management.

BGen Brais was promoted to her current rank in 2023 upon completion of the National Security Programme at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

BGen Brais is from Chapleau and Sudbury Ontario. She currently resides in Ottawa with her spouse where they enjoy spending time with their blended family of five adult children and two granddaughters.

Appointed to the position of Commander of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group, BGen Brais is honoured to be entrusted with the leadership of one of Canada's foremost youth programs.

To view all pictures with Brigadier-General D.N. Brais, CD click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2026 Surgeon Captain Gordon P. Fahrni, DSC, MD Award Recipient

Cadet CPO1 Lilia Tseragotin
25 RCSCC Crusader

Cadet CPO1 Lilia Tseragotin plans to attend University of Manitoba to pursue a career in either nutritional science or business with a long-term goal of supporting others and building an environment where individuals can thrive.

In Cadets she has completed the Sail 1 course, the Winter and Summer Sail Program, Cadet Activity Program and was a Staff Cadet at HMCS Quadra. She has volunteered or participated with the Gimli Yacht Club, various sailing competitions, Remembrance Day commemorations and was on her Corps’ Marksmanship Team. The combination of these activities has shaped her into a confident and supportive leader.

She has been involved at her high school supporting the Terry Fox Run, speaking at school assemblies and being the yearbook content creator. She has a UNESC Diploma for her work in various areas of the environment demonstrating the Four Pillars of learning: Learning to Know, Learning to Be, Learning to Do and Learning to Live Together.

She has played ultimate frisbee where she earned Sprit Champion at multiple tournaments for leadership and sportsmanship. She keeps fit with spin classes, hot yoga, rock climbing, water aerobics, gym games, cross fit, calisthenics and played Junior Varsity basketball and track and field at school.

As a leader she focuses on creating an environment where others feel motivated and included so everyone can participate at their own level.

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

2026 Manitoba Navy League Division Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Jasmine Malo
49 RCSCC John Travers Corwell VC

Cadet CPO2 Jasmine Malo is attending the University of Manitoba to obtain a bachelor's degree before joining the college of pharmacy. She wishes to be involved in the future of medical healthcare to work for a healthier and better future for everyone, especially the sick or elderly members of our community.

She started Cadets with Navy League Cadets, then Air Cadets and then Sea Cadets. She has received a number of awards and medals for attendance, is heavily involved with the Band, receiving Top Bandsman award, was a member of the Manitoba Air Cadet Concert band, received most valuable band player award and plays the trumpet for Remembrance Day ceremonies. She has participated in the Toastmasters effective speaking program, field training exercises, Poppy sales and has helped to raise funds for the Children's Hospital. She has obtained her Pleasure Craft Operator Licence, her Level 4 Marksmanship and Restricted Operator Certificate, the most valuable band player award as well as many others.

She supports her church's youth group by teaching catechism and assisting homeless individuals by distributing food and clothing at Siloam Mission. She volunteers for Props and Hops, the MS and at a local nursing home.

The cadet program has progressively put her in more leadership roles and challenges. With her passion and high level of music, she can't resist teaching her Cadets in band how to play their instruments, read music, and theory lessons. She stays fit by participating in her Corps' sports program and with water skiing, wakeboarding, swimming lessons, and kayaking.

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

2026 Naval Officers' Association of Canada - Winnipeg Branch Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet CPO2 Ielyzaveta Berezovska
350 RCSCC Transcona

Cadet CPO2 Ielyzaveta Berezovska will be attending the University of Waterloo this Fall to become an actuarial analyst. She wishes to use statistics and logic to examine the probability of future events and manage financial strategy. Through Waterloo's co-op program, she is able to alternate academic semesters with full time work terms and earn career experience while she is still enrolled in university.

She served as the Training Petty Officer of her Corps responsible for making schedules and managing sports nights. This was challenging due other extracurricular activities. She received the Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence for her efforts. Her experiences at summer training camps greatly shaped her leadership. She attended HMCS Quadra for the basic seamanship course, and later was an IT staff cadet. She attended Vernon for introduction to marksmanship. These and a recent seamanship deployment broadened her perspective and enhanced her ability to communicate and mentor others. She is currently serving as a CPO2 and the Regulating Petty Officer of her Corps.

Her community involvement has developed her leadership skills. In Junior Achievement she designed and illustrated a Winnipeg themed colouring book, helping her “company” win Manitoba's Company of the Year. She was a member of her school's student council and participated in the Canadian Ethics Bowl. She was co-president for the Education for Sustainable Development club and participated in the Youth Aid Society club. She has volunteered as a teen mentor at Boys & Girls Club, Winnipeg and currently works as a Kumon tutor.

She believes that physical fitness is essential for personal and leadership development, due to the innate connection between the body and mind. Her routine has consisted of strength training with weights, alongside biking. She is applying for the Canadian Armed Forces ROTP, and has been preparing by simulating the FORCE evaluation test.

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

2026 Lieutenant Laurence Gillmor Sherman Award Recipient

Cadet MWO Praise Jesutofunmi Oluwaseun Esther Olowoyeye
2295 Royal Winnipeg Rifles RCACC

Cadet MWO Praise Jesutofunmi Oluwaseun Esther Olowoyeye plans to study criminology at the University of Alberta before attending law school. Her career goal is to become a lawyer and work in the legal field. She has always been interested in justice, fairness, and helping others. Her experiences in debate club, student leadership, community outreach, and Cadets have helped her develop strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Her leadership roles in founding SHS Diversify, as a student serving as president of Community Outreach, and holding the rank of Master Warrant Officer in the cadet Corps has taught her the importance of responsibility, service, and advocacy.

One of the most important opportunities that shaped her as a leader was completing the Rocky Mountain CTC Drill Instructor Course and the Advanced Leadership Program. One of her proudest achievements was earning the Gold Star of the Year and being recognized as a top fifth-year cadet.

Having led the planning of her school's first multicultural event, she planned another multicultural event in April. She has helped organize fundraisers, food drives, and school events and raised money for the Terry Fox Foundation. She volunteers with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Her experiences have taught her patience, responsibility, and how to guide others positively.

Being healthy helps her stay focused, manage stress, and have the energy to handle her responsibilities. She has learned that even basic fitness and discipline can improve confidence, resilience, and leadership ability. She participates in track and field and takes part in physical training, which helps her stay active. Overall, her approach to fitness is not about being extremely active, but about being consistent and mindful.

To view all pictures with Cadet MWO Praise Jesutofunmi Oluwaseun Esther Olowoyeye click here (Photograph courtesy of 17 Wing Imaging).

2026 Honorary Colonels' Army Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet MWO Kristina Zaburdyaev
2295 Royal Winnipeg Rifles RCACC

Cadet MWO Kristina Zaburdyaev will be attending the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) with the aim of building a stable career in a role that she genuinely enjoys. She also selected RMC as she believes that it will push her out of her comfort zone, challenge her academically and allow her to continue a lifestyle centered around well-being and physical fitness.

At her Corps she is the RSM, a position that has allowed her to understand her own strengths and weaknesses, to work through challenges and conflicts, express her ideas, and learn how to communicate with others. Her experiences have allowed here to become more adaptable, adventurous, and open-minded which has helped her develop her present leadership style.

She is involved with her school's history club and other school activities. For International Women's Day she was instrumental in setting up a display recognizing female alumni and their outstanding achievements. She helped organize a celebration for all of the grade 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) students to celebrate the diversity of the IB group and their achievements. She is a strong leader who is responsible, reliable, organized and communicates well with others.

She strongly believes that physical fitness and well-being are important for personal and leadership development. For her a healthy lifestyle corresponds directly with a healthy mind which heavily affects her leadership style. She is a full-time competitive dancer and dances four days a week. Building her daily routine around physical fitness has taught her physical skills and she has learned discipline, trust, resilience, time management, self-reflection, how physical state affects her mental state, and how to be fully in the moment. She strives to stay committed to healthy living by continuing to dance regularly, making nourishing food choices, respecting her sleep, and doing things that make her happy.

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

2026 Janice and Barry Rempel Honorary Colonel's Air Cadet Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Bryce Wallach
249 Beausejour RCACS

Cadet WO1 Bryce Wallach's goal in life is to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and serve in the north, particularly the Yukon, where he believes he can be a positive role model for the community youth. He has been accepted into the Marine and Powersport Technician program at Red River Polytechnic. This will allow him to service his own equipment and also benefit his community greatly, as he will be able to repair essential vehicles. This education will allow him to serve as an outstanding member of society and of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The cadet program has been one of the most defining parts of his life and has shaped him into the person he is today. He has attended the Fitness & Sports Instructor Course at Vernon, BC, Survival Instructor Course at Cold Lake, AB and served as the Survival Instructor Course Squadron Warrant Officer at Whitehorse, YT. While in Whitehorse he had to order the evacuation of his Cadets from an area where a mountain lion had been sighted and he was recognized for his outstanding leadership. One of his defining moments was when he assisted a Cadet Sergeant deal with depression, resulting in a successful outcome.

He has volunteered at a local winter park working as a member of the junior Ski Patrol and at the local Legion in Beausejour. He frequently volunteers for events and, as one of the most experienced volunteers, usually manages the other volunteers. He has organized six garbage clean ups in his local neighborhood. He also teaches others how to draw and create their own artwork.

He realizes the importance of physical fitness as it allowed him to run a number of kilometers to warn his Cadets of the mountain lion. His experiences at the Fitness and Sports Instructor Course at Vernon, BC helped him develop strong fitness habits and he follows a strict routine that includes weightlifting four to five times a week and maintaining a healthy diet.

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

2026 Flight Sergeant Fred Marean Award Recipient

Cadet FSgt Jan Ziv Prieto
6 Jim Whitecross RCACS

Cadet WO2 Jan Ziv Prieto's goal of pursuing medicine was inspired by her mother's experiences and stories of working in healthcare which always ended with "I saved someone's life today". Internships at labs and exposure to modern medicine confirmed her decision to study at the University of Manitoba to become a physician and one day, she will have the privilege to say, "I saved a life today."

The Air Cadet Program provided her opportunities to shape her leadership skills. She has been a member of the Flag party and Drill Team and completed the Cadet Correspondent Course. As a Level 5 senior Cadet she prepares lessons for, and teaches, junior Cadets. She represented Cadets at the World Police and Fire Games and at Remembrance Day ceremonies at Dugald, MB and at her school. She was Top Level 2 Cadet, Top Boots Cadet and received the Cadet Long Service Medal. She has also received Marksman Classification, Bronze Biathlon, and Bronze Fitness Proficiency awards.

She was co-leader of the Prairie Restoration Garden. She entered the Caring for Our Watersheds competition, earning $1,000 in project funding and guided a team of over 50 students to create the garden. At school she co-leads Teen Connect, is a member of the School Leadership Committee, Vice President of the STEM Fellowship, she has volunteered at a Group Home and is co-captain for the Maples Collegiate Dance Crew.

Physical fitness and well-being help strengthen her body and mind to become a more capable and resilient leader. She is part of 3 advanced dance teams competing at the national level, winning many awards. She trains in dance five times a week to maintain her fitness, which in turn helps her stay focused, disciplined and energized in her personal and leadership roles.

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

2026 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Randolph Popplow, SBStJ, CD, BSc, BEd, MD, MSc, ABPM (AM), FACPM Award Recipient

Cadet WO1 Himani Bhatt
199 St Vital RCACS

Cadet WO1 Himani Bhatt is a first-year student in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba. Brought up in a family where education is heavily prioritized, she believes in Nelson Mandela's words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Her experiences at the U of M have motivated her to pursue post-graduate studies to become a pediatric cardiologist.

She strives to lead by example and has actively sought new challenges. Attending summer courses such as effective speaking, basic survival, or introduction to military band, gave her foundational skills as an individual and leader. Challenged with public speaking she joined her Squadron's Toastmasters program winning a provincial effective speaking competition and competed at a national competition. She was awarded a second bar on her service medal and received the Cadet Medal of Excellence for her dedication. She became her Squadron's Warrant Officer First Class in March 2026.

She is deeply rooted in community service. She was the Student Council President and volunteered with a cancer fundraiser, Relay for Life. She volunteers with the Gujarati School of Language and Culture, and with the Health Sciences Centre, Manitoba Marathon, Black and Gold Committee, and as a swim instructor. She is a leader who values accountability and fairness, always giving credit where it is due.

She prioritizes staying active with running cross country, water-polo, badminton, tennis and swimming. She incorporates activities targeting her physical fitness and mental health.

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

2026 Honorary Colonel Ben Van Ruiten, MSM, CD Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Igor Telyatnikov
199 St Vital RCACS

Cadet WO2 Igor Telyatnikov will attend the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with its co-op program provides hands-on experience. After graduating, he hopes to work in Manitoba, whether that means contributing to the province's power infrastructure or working in the government on systems that affect every day Canadians.

He is on his Squadron's Marksmanship Team, participated in Zone competitions, and is now the head coach and co-captain. During his Level 4 ACR he commanded the Drill Team, earning him the Outstanding Drill Award. He has completed the Virtual Survival Course, the CAP program, and attended Whitehorse CTC as a Staff Cadet. He has volunteered at the Cadet Flying Sites in Brandon and Gimli. He has his Level 4 qualification, is an Expert Marksman and has his Fitness Excellence certifications. He was recognized as Top Cadet of his Flight.

He has supported his community through Cadets, school, and personal initiative. He volunteered in the Poppy Campaign, served as a page at the Winnipeg Model United Nations, and volunteered with the WPS half-marathon. At school he participates in both the Tabletop Club and the Coding Club. He has recently started donating blood through Canadian Blood Services.

As the Squadron's Senior Training Warrant, he ensures that parade nights run smoothly, stepping in as required. He also teaches drill, promoting good discipline and deportment and is a role model for the younger Cadets.

He holds a first brown belt (third Kyu) in JKA Shotokan Karate, is National Lifeguard Cadet and completes the Cadet Fitness Assessment yearly.

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

2026 Honorary Colonel (Retired) George E. Chapman Q.C. Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Levi Hendren
249 Beausejour RCACS

Cadet WO2 Levi Hendren will attend the University of Manitoba to become a mechanical engineer specializing in automotive powertrain design and engine efficiency. The hands-on opportunities provided by the University of Manitoba's Society of Automotive Engineers student chapters will allow him to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world engine calibration, preparing him for a career in automotive research and development.

His time in Cadets has been defined by a steady progression of responsibility, culminating in his promotion to WO2, which shifted his perspective on leadership to actively shaping the culture of his Squadron. As a Level 4 Instructor he leads by example and inspires junior Cadets by maintaining a high standard of dress, drill, and deportment. He has learned that a leader ensures everyone understands the objective before moving forward. His leadership skills have been sharpened through collaborative planning with other senior Cadets.

He is committed to his school's well-being and athletic programs. He volunteered with the school's nutrition program, the "Snack Shack." He served as co-captain of the rugby team, responsible for team morale and being the bridge between players and coaching staff. He mentors his peers on the track and field team in jumping events, and he has been invited to return next year as an official coach.

For Levi, fitness and well-being are foundational to both personal and leadership development. He has developed a routine that balances competitive sports with personal strength training and goes to gym two to three times per week ensuring that he remains physically capable for the daily demands and instilling a habit of long-term health management.

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

2026 Royal Military Institute of Manitoba Award Recipient

Cadet WO2 Dmitry Telyatnikov
199 St Vital RCACS

Cadet WO2 Dmitry Telyatnikov will attend the University of Manitoba because of the opportunity it provides to explore his options, including his interest in computers and math, before deciding on one particular career. He would like to work in a field where he can apply both math and computer science to solve real problems, or continue his interests in cryptography and cybersecurity.

He has completed multiple training courses and activities: Virtual Basic Survival Course, Cadet Activity Program, Survival Instructor Course, Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course, Basic Glider Pilot qualification, Effective Speaking - provincial level, Marksmanship - zone and provincial levels, was Flag Party Commander and participated in the Squadron Drill Team. He was awarded the Top Junior NCO award, is an Expert Marksman and has his Fitness Level 1. He has been appointed the Squadron's Warrant Officer of Drill and Ceremonial.

He was a Poppy Day volunteer, served as a Page at the Winnipeg Model United Nations Assembly, participated in the Youth Empowering Youth 10-hour Leadership Program and has donated blood through Canadian Blood Services. He assists instructing karate at the Earl Grey Dojo. He has volunteered as Ground Crew at the Cadet Flying Sites in Gimli and Brandon.

As Warrant Officer Second Class and Drill Warrant Officer, he serves as a role model for the Cadets, is responsible for ensuring Cadets are where they need to be, and that dress and drill standards are met. Attending two Instructor level courses assisted in his path to becoming a better leader.

In karate he has achieved the 3rd Kyu (1st brown belt), has his Fitness Level 1 qualification, bikes, hikes, runs, swims and is a National Lifeguard.

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

2026 Manitoba Moose Scholarship Award Recipient

Cadet FSgt Angelina Li
191 West Winnipeg Rotary RCACS

FSgt Angelina Li will attend the University of Winnipeg to pursue a career in law which will allow her to provide help to others and making a positive difference in their lives. The smaller class sizes at the U of W will help her develop closer connections with professors and her student peers.

Cadets have helped shape her leadership skills, especially at CTC. Effective Speaking helped her gain confidence in her public speaking skills, which has been extremely useful when leading her team and teaching her classes. She deals well with unexpected occurrences, adapting to changes to help keep control of situations.

She leads a French theatre club at school and has taken on the role of backstage manager. Through her and her team's efforts they received a first prize last year. She volunteers in her school's peer tutoring program and in the community. She established a French class targeted for new Chinese immigrants. Her trilingual ability when teaching helps her students understand the language and succeed in school.

For Angelina, physical fitness and well-being are important for personal and leadership development. She feels it is important to take time to regulate one's own health to better lead their team. She dedicates time each Sunday to walk on the treadmill or outside to maintain some level of fitness during the weekends. Her physical wellbeing also focuses on nutrition as she works to balance food groups as referenced in Canada's Food Guide.

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