Corps is proud of a young lady who has shown time and time again that she is a capable and professional cadet.

Sixteen-year-old Shelia Pitcher holds many titles in the Sea Cadets and is so grateful, all she wants to do is give something back.

Sea Cadet Corps' Commander Anthony Lightbourne said the young cadet shows good qualities.

"She has a lot of stick-to-it,'' he explained.

In an interview with the highly decorated cadet, Shelia said very little about herself and more about Sea Cadets.

"I want Sea Cadets to be popular -- to be noticed.'' she said.

The young Guard and Squad commander said that Sea Cadets have a certain appearance to the youth that is sometimes incorrect.

"Sea Cadets is about a lot of fun, discipline, learning and enjoying. It taught me a lot of things I would have never got to learn.'' In her Sea Cadet career Shelia has learnt sailing, piping, kayaking and navigation -- travelling to places like Japan, Washington DC, New Jersey and Baltimore.

After winning this years Commander's Cadet Award, Shelia began training other cadets in her unit for command positions.

"Sea cadets makes doors start opening up for you.'' she explained.

She praised one of the officers for helping her overcome her fear of sailboats. Lieutenant Commander Dwayne Trott is the commanding officer of the St. Georges' unit, TS Admiral Somers.

"Before you could never get me in an AFC 20-foot sailboat.'' she laughed.

Lt.Cdr. Trott said: "She's very out-going and takes charge. I hope more young ladies like her join Sea cadets. If I give her something to do, it gets done.'' Cadet Pitcher was voted Cadet of the Corps by all the cadets and officers last year and continues to serve in the Corps.

She said that her future goals are to join the US Navy -- an organisation she has had a lot of experience working with because of the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps.

Commander of the Sea Cadet Corps Anthony Lightbourne invites parents and children to meet and talk to Sea Cadets during an upcoming parade and presentation at the Hamilton unit at Admiralty House October 12 at 2.00.

His Excellency Governor Thorold Masefield will attend and cadets who took part in overseas training this year will be recognised.