THE TOP CATS lived up to their name, as they walked off with the lion's share of prizes at the closing parade and awards ceremony of the Garrison Secondary School's cadet unit last Tuesday.

Head of the unit, Lieutenant Lincoln Springer, said it was the final parade for the unit, formally called No 14 Unit Echo Company, Barbados Cadet Corps, until the next academic year and the ceremony was to honour the cadets for their work.

This year, Platoon 3, the Top Cats, won the Platoon Of The Year Award from Platoon 1, the Thunder Cats, and Platoon 2, the Swat Cats. What was notable was that Platoon 3 housed the first-time recruits.

Fuelling the Top Cats' victory was female cadet Christine Fielder of Section 7. She collected more than ten separate prizes, including the award for exemplary behaviour, Best In Drill For Females and Cadet Of The Year. Section 7 was adjudged Section Of The Year.

In addition, Fielder holds the distinction of being first in class for two years straight.

Also reaping accolades was Ramon McKenzie, Junior Cadet Of The Year, and Warrant Officer (2) Joseph James, NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) Of The year.

In his remarks, principal Matthew Farley urged parents to mould their children in the correct way.

"If God's intention was not for us to be involved in shaping and moulding them, he would have given us adult children.

"I believe I am part of the God-given duty to mould children; we have to save every one of our boys and girls."

Farley said he was "almost moved to tears" when he saw the precision and pride displayed by the cadets, especially since he had first-hand knowledge of the challenges some of them had to overcome to reach where they were. (CA)