Katie Shines at Hillsborough Ceremony

Congratulations to Grosvenor student Katie Parker, who has been appointed to the role of ‘His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet’ for the County of Down.

Katie, an energetic and enthusiastic Cadet Corporal with her local Ballygowan Detachment Army Cadet Force, is one of twelve Lord Lieutenants’ Cadets appointed across Northern Ireland and honoured at a special ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.

The year-long post is largely ceremonial and Katie can expect a busy year ahead as she accompanies Mr Gawn Rowan-Hamilton, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Down, on major civic occasions.  In recognition of her appointment, Katie will be entitled to wear a special insignia on her cadet uniform.

The Citation which accompanies Katie’s appointment describes the lively 15-year-old as “a fantastic role model for her peers and a great ambassador for the Army Cadets”. It praises Katie for an enthusiasm which transcended pandemic restrictions and notes that Katie, who joined the Cadets just before lockdown, never missed a night of ‘virtual’ training!

Despite pandemic restrictions, Katie also took part in fundraising for the Northern Ireland Hospice, running, cycling and walking from home to play her part in raising almost two thousand pounds for the charity.

A keen sportswoman, Katie has flourished post-pandemic, enjoying her sporting and Cadet activities to the full and earning a selection to the Northern Ireland team competing in the National Army Cadet Football Championships.

Well done to Katie on this fantastic accomplishment - we hope she enjoys the coming year and all of the exciting opportunities that it promises to bring!

Katie is pictured receiving the certificate, which marks her appointment, from Mr Gawn Rowan-Hamilton - His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Down.