Each year, St. John Ambulance organises a competition to select a Cadet (aged 10 to 18) and a Badger (six to 10) of the Year, with each Youth unit invited to put forward two candidates for each category. 

The Cadets take part in a uniform inspection, a first aid scenario, a communication challenge, an interview and give a presentation on a fundraising idea, while the Badgers take part in a uniform inspection, a pairs challenge, an interview, a first aid challenge and a presentation on their favourite Badger subject.

Pictured: The Cadet and Badger of the Year are selected after a series of challenges and interviews.

After being Deputy Cadet of the Year in 2020, Jason, who has been a Cadet at St. Martin’s unit for seven years, has now been selected for the top title.

Over the next year, he will represent fellow Cadets at events and ceremonial occasions organised by St. John Ambulance. Ordinarily, he would attend the national Cadet of the Year event in the UK but it has been cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

“Being Cadet of the year has provided me with a great sense of achievement, and I feel honoured to represent all the Cadets in Jersey, and although the national competition didn’t go ahead this year, hopefully I will be able to represent Jersey at the national level next year," he said.

"Being at St. John Ambulance has bolstered my confidence and allowed me to develop a wide range of skills which have allowed me to grow as a person and made me who I am today.

"I strongly believe that St John Ambulance provides an excellent platform for people to be able to learn the skills to be able to help others and save lives, and no matter your age, you can make a difference and I hope to see more young people like myself and the other cadets, taking up the opportunity to learn these life-saving skills.”

Pictured: Both Grace and Jason will be representing fellow volunteers at events over the next year.

Nine-year-old Grace has been a Badger at Helvetia Unit for two years. As Badger of the year, she will attend events within the different Badger Setts in Jersey and assist her fellow Badgers.

Jason and Grace will be assisted in their duties by Deputy Cadet of the Year, Nicole Camacho (15) from Midvale Youth Unit and Deputy Badger of the Year is Maden England (9) from St. Martin’s Unit.

Simon Blackmore, the Youth Development Officer for St.John Ambulance, congratulated the Cadet and Badger of the Year as well as their deputies, whom he described as "dedicated young people".

"They are a credit to their community and St John Ambulance; I wish them well for their duties ahead."