The Trinity Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (TGSACU) has won the Combined Associated Schools Drill Competition, ably led by Year 12 Meriden student, WO1 Sophie Brennan (RSM).
The milestone win is the Unit’s first-ever victory in the CAS Drill Competition, and it is the first instance in the competition’s twenty-one-year history where a female cadet assumed leadership of the winning unit.
Months of rigorous preparation culminated in a stellar performance by the TGSACU cadets. Sophie said she was honoured to have led the Unit to its first victory in the highly-competitive event.
“The squad worked very hard in the lead-up to the competition. The commitment and perseverance shown by cadets in the TGSACU are what makes the Unit so special,” said Sophie.
“When entrusted with a task, the cadets wholeheartedly set their minds to it and dedicated themselves to its completion, striving to deliver their best. It was extraordinary to be able to see that all our hard work paid off.”
CAPT (AAC) Fiona Brennan, Meriden’s Coordinator of Cadets, expressed great pride in the conduct of the cadets and the effort they exhibited on the day.
“The cadets were well prepared for the competition. Their outstanding performance, characterised by twenty-six flawlessly executed manoeuvres, left a lasting impression on the judges,” CAPT (AAC) Fiona Brennan said.
The annual competition aims to foster camaraderie and healthy competition between CAS Army Cadet units while reinforcing the importance of drill, dress and bearing within each unit.
“Events such as the CAS Drill Competition allow cadets from different companies to come together and form bonds with those with whom they would not normally spend much time. They also provide opportunities to meet and interact with cadets from other units, while improving their leadership skills,” said Sophie.
The following Meriden cadets took part in the 2023 CAS Drill Competition – WO1 Sophie Brennan, CPL Jeannette Chen, SGT Andrea Cheng, CPL Melody Chia, SGT Anya Gupta, CPL Punyashree Khan, CPL Olivia Lee, CPL Angelina Le-Lo, CPL Violet Loane, WO2 Kayla Molesworth, CPL Parneet Sandhu, WO2 Cassandra Seeto, SGT Rachel Xie and SGT Rita Yeung. Reserves: CPL Anjana Kailasanathan and CPL Hannah Lui.