As Guernsey’s top cadet, Hannah Falla, 17, attended the 40th celebration, which included meeting and speaking to Princess Anne.
‘It was really cool. There were loads of people and about 40 cadets or more and also past regional and national cadets of the year,’ she said.
‘We also had the first-ever national cadet of the year there and some really important people within St John, as well as Princess Anne.
‘We were split into groups and all had an opportunity to have a little conversation with her.
‘She went round and asked us who we were and where we were from, a bit about the competition, what it was like, and about our travel.’
Hannah also went away in February to the national cadet of the year competition, as one of the senior cadets that had achieved outstanding performance.
Guernsey cadets are not eligible for the main competition, but are eligible for the St John Ambulance Commanderies Cadet of the Year.
While Hannah was unsuccessful in that competition, she was named Guernsey cadet of the year.
‘It was a bit overwhelming, but it was also really nice just to celebrate the competition. It was nice to have that opportunity after the whole weekend, just to experience everyone being there together again,’ she said. ‘I had a long conversation with the Jersey cadet, comparing our experiences.
'There was an older couple who came up to us and were only talking to us. We were a bit confused but they were from Guernsey and Jersey too.’
Hannah became a cadet three years ago.
Being a cadet involves learning first aid, taking part in parades, and working towards awards in some 15 different life skills subjects.
‘I’ve wanted to be a paramedic for a while. My parents suggested being a St John cadet which I tried and I loved it,’ she said.
‘I would always recommend being a St John cadet. I’ve recommended it to almost all of my friends. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It builds your confidence as a person, but also builds every life skill you could need, not just first aid. I could do anything I wanted with the skills I’ve learned.’
Hannah intends to join the army as a combat medic and then after time in the military, become a paramedic.
You need to be logged in to comment.