17 year old, Sgt Matthew Baldwin (RAF) has been shortlisted for the prestigious Duke of Westminster Award for Cadet of the Year 2015.
The Duke of Westminster Award is in its twelfth year and is designed to find and recognise the best of the CVQO BTEC candidates from across the UK. The CVQO Duke of Westminster Award represents an exciting and potentially life-changing opportunity for the winners.
Matthew is now one of just 24 cadets from across the country that will compete for a place in the next round of the Award selection process. Eventually just 9 cadets will be selected to attend a special lunch in London where the overall winner, Cadet of the Year, will be announced. The 9 finalists will then embark on a trip of a lifetime and undertake community work in South Africa in July.
Having joined the CCF in year 9, Matthew has been an active member of the Rossall School CCF attending numerous courses including the Cadet Leadership Course in Frimley, the BTEC in Public Services and, most recently, the CVQO Level 3 Institute of Leadership and Management in Somerset. Matthew has also represented Rossall School CCF at various events including the Northern Festival of Remembrance and leading the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Blackpool in November 2014, which was attended by over 30,000 people.
Matthew is in his final year at Rossall and hopes to study Military History at university before going on to joining the RAF.
Speaking after hearing about his selection, Matthew said “I’m delighted to be shortlisted and to represent Rossall School CCF. I’m looking forward to the next round of challenges.”
Contingent Commander, Major Emma Williams said “Matthew is an exemplary cadet and being shortlisted for this award is a great achievement in itself. On behalf of the CCF, we would like to wish Matthew every success in the next round.”
