It wasn’t the usual parade for air cadet Rowan Christenson.
The 18-year-old, who serves as a Warrant Officer First Class with the 155 Borden Gray G.C. Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal at the cadets’ annual review held at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury Saturday.
Receiving the medal came as a surprise.
“I just found out on the parade square today. I was surprised, but I’m honoured,” Christenson told SooToday.
The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada on May 6, 2023 and is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada.
“It's an extreme honour. Very few cadets were selected from across Canada,” said Capt. Steve Mullins of 155 Borden Gray G.C. Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
“We're amazingly proud of her. She's a very well-rounded citizen and an amazing candidate for this award. She's an exceptional lady. She's very confident in the things she does.”
The medal was presented to Christenson by Alan Fell of the 432 (Algoma) Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.
Fell was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his services to aviation in March.
Christenson, a Superior Heights Collegiate graduate, joined the air cadets program at the age of 12.
“I’ve learned a lot of skills,” she said.
“I've learned everything you could probably imagine for a basic learner in aviation. I've flown gliders, I've flown planes. I was part of the marksmanship team so I learned how to shoot and improve my aim. I’ve learned the discipline and organizational skills that I need. Even now, every day, I'm using my time management skills,” Christenson said.
She plans to study sociology at university in the fall.
To mark the first anniversary of the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, the United Kingdom issued more than 400,000 coronation medals.
Canada has issued 30,000 medals, 4,000 of which will recognize members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Nominees for the medals were selected for their long service and good conduct as a volunteer or member of an organization, for having demonstrated high professionalism or for performing a deed or activity that brings great credit to Canada.