A
cooperative education teacher with the Upper
Canada District School Board has been honoured by Cadets Canada.
Ron
Holla, a teacher at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute, was recently presented with
the Commanding Officer’s Coin. The citation honours an individual whose service
to Cadets goes above and beyond their expected duties. Holla, a Cadet
Instructor Cadre Officer, was recognized for developing the Upper Canada District School Board Cadet
Co-operative Education Program.
“It
was cool and I was quite surprised,” he said. “It really was unexpected.”
Holla
played a key role in establishing the summer program, run through the TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative
and Continuing Education. The program allows students to benefit from military and
leadership training, while gaining two cooperative education credits. Depending
on their branch of Cadets – Sea, Air, or Army – students take three or six-week
summer training courses such as marksmanship,
basic and ceremonial drill, basic aviation, sailing, seamanship and band.
Courses are offered across the province at places such as HMCS
Ontario in Kingston, CFB
Trenton, and the Connaught National Army Cadet Summer
Training Centre
in Nepean. Apart from the specialized training enjoyed by students, the program
emphasizes physical fitness, responsibility, devotion to duty and other skills
that will benefit them for years to come.
Working
with the military and the Board, Holla first piloted the program in 2012. He
started with just seven students. Since then the program has grown. This past
summer 270 students participated.
For media inquiries, please call:
Sandy
McInnes
Principal
T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative
and Continuing Education
(613) 933-9626