Local air cadet presented Duke of Edinburgh Award by mayor

A 16-year-old air cadet received formal recognition at Monday’s council-in-committee meeting for achieving the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, a rare milestone for cadets in Fort Erie’s 337 Allan Troup Squadron.

Council presented Lucas Beagle with his certificate, where Mayor Wayne Redekop thanked him for his service and encouraged him to continue through the program’s higher levels.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an international youth development program for ages 14 to 25.

Beagle earned the bronze level through months of community service, physical training, skill development and a two day expedition he planned and carried out. Council invited him to its November 17 meeting to formally acknowledge the accomplishment.

Beagle told Fort Erie Radio he felt relieved once the ceremony ended.

“I am really happy. I was nervous at first, but I am glad I did this,” he said. “It’s been a great experience overall.”

The Grade 11 Greater Fort Erie Secondary School student completed the bronze expedition earlier this year. His motivation came from wanting to try something difficult and seeing how far he could push himself.

Redekop noted Beagle’s early progress in the program and hoped he continues to see it through.

“We are hoping that you will end up at the gold level,” said Redekop.

Captain Harry Sully said many cadets reach a point where the usual annual promotions are no longer enough to keep them moving forward, and larger challenges such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award help them grow as a cadet.

He said older cadets often step into leadership roles and face the shift from being guided to guiding others.

Recruitment in Fort Erie comes in small numbers each season and the squadron works to keep momentum steady despite limited size. Larger urban squadrons sometimes cap enrollment, while smaller ones in Niagara take youth whenever they can. Sully said the pattern leads to slow growth but also close bonds that last for years.

“Everything I have had in my life has come through the cadet program,” said Sully.

Beagle is now working toward the silver level, which is typically presented at Queen’s Park by Ontario’s lieutenant governor.

At the same meeting, town council recognized the achievements the Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library for donating over $100,000 since 2014.

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