Olivia Lee Wo eager awaits a significant accolade, one she wasn’t even aware was available to her.
Later this month the 17-year-old air cadet – with Milton’s 820 Chris Hadfield Squadron – will receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Years of hard work, leadership and dedication have led to this moment for the young Warrant Officer 2nd Class. Her accomplishments will be officially recognized with a medal ceremony during the cadets’ annual ceremonial review, the final parade of the year.
“I didn’t think it was an award that was attainable for me,” Lee Wo told MiltonToday. “I felt very grateful for the opportunity to be honoured with such a medal. Especially knowing that it’s for people and citizens of Canada who have made significant contributions to their communities and their regions.”
Lee Wo’s active participation in the cadet community has earned her the acclaim of her peers and superiors alike. According to her CO, Capt. Anthony Vukojevic, she’s “highly recognized amongst the big whigs.”
She is part of three cadet councils, governing bodies that voice concerns and solutions to the head of the organization for the betterment of the program. Lee Woo serves as a member of her local, regional and national organizations, working to ensure that her colleagues get the most out of their time in uniform.
Her leadership is evident during Friday night sessions, when she helps train her squadron’s drill team in precision marching and ceremonial displays. She and her colleagues are getting them ready for their May 31 Ceremonial Review, where several dignitaries will keep a watchful eye on the dress and deportment of the parade.
Looking back at her five years in the cadets, Lee Wo says her proudest moment is “meeting younger cadets to mentor them.”
“And also doing a lot of team building with people who are younger than me in the program. It just helps to build the sense of community,” she elaborated.