Teia, how long have you been a part of the 809 Newark Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and what is your role there?
This is my third year in cadets. I joined when I was in Grade 7. You can join as soon as you turn 12. You don't have to wait until September.
Right now I am a flight corporal ,which is still considered a junior cadet. As a flight corporal we are learning more about aviation and leadership. I am learning to teach the younger cadets about aerodrome, leadership, marksmanship, drill, and other stuff. Next year when I rank up to sergeant I will have to take on more responsibility.
What do you like best about being a part of the 809 Newark Royal Canadian Air Cadets?
I like learning about aviation, and participating in all the activities we do, like field training exercises, camping, sports days, and our trip to Ottawa was really good. I also really like all the people. I have made lots of friends from our squadron and from other squadrons in the Niagara region and across Ontario. I also really loved going to the aviation technology and aerospace summer camp in Borden last summer. I have applied for a four-week instructor course this year and I'm hoping I get in.
I find teaching other cadets challenging. I've never had to teach before and I don't like standing up in front of people talking. Also I wish there were more girls in the program. Right now it's just one other girl and me, the rest are boys.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is a day to celebrate women and their accomplishments. Girls can do everything a boy can do, and in cadets we are all treated the same. If it were not for the people in history who fought for equal women's rights, I probably wouldn't be allowed to be a part of cadets or to become a pilot. I'm thankful that women worked hard to change the rules so that girls can do almost anything now.
Teia’s mother, Katie Kells, is also involved in cadets. The Local also asked her three questions.
How did you become involved in cadets and what is your role?
When we first moved to NOTL my oldest son was in Grade 7, 12 years old. We moved Labour Day weekend and I was looking for some kind of activity to put him in. The first thing I saw was the cadets’ annual welcome back barbecue so I brought him to it, and that started five years of cadets for my son. It was a really great program. He did lots of great things through the program including going to Vimy. At the time my other two kids were really young and I was working full time so I didn't have much time to get involved. Now my two younger kids have joined cadets they have been in it for three years. I have more time and was happy to get involved with such a great program
Currently I am chair of the squadron sponsorship committee. We support the squadron’s local programming. The SSC raises funds to pay for anything that happens at the local level including cadets programs, training materials, rent, trips, and many other things. We also organize some events for the squadron.
What do you get out of volunteering at the 809 Squadron?
Being involved keeps me busy and connected with the kids.The kids really get a lot out of the program. You can see their confidence and engagement grow. They get lots of great experiences that they would otherwise not have. On March 8 for International Women's Day, Teia spent the day at a Women In Aviation event where she was with a large group of female cadets from around the Niagara region. They had some great female guest speakers and a session in kung fu!
What events are coming up?
Most people know about our cadet tagging and bottle drives, the next one being Saturday, May 24. This year we are hosting an evening fundraiser event with the support of the Virgil Business Association, featuring Duelling Pianos Niagara on Saturday May 31, at the Legion. Tickets will be on sale in April.