For two Qualicum Beach cadets, Saturday was a big day.
Sergeant Michaela Muelleder and Warrant Officer First Class Robert Filmer received two national awards at the 893 Beaufort Sqaudron's annual review ceremony on Saturday, June 11.
Muelleder, 16, received the Legion of Excellence medal, which is awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion.
Muelleder said she applied for the award in the beginning of the year.
"I had to write an essay to say why I deserve it over anyone else," Muelleder said, adding that to receive the medal, a cadet has to have some knowledge of the cadet program, be a part of at least three volunteer opportunities, as well as a few smaller requirements.
Now in her fourth year of cadets, Muelleder said she's had a lot of leadership opportunities with the squadron.
Filmer, 18, received the highest award that can be given to a Canadian cadet, the Lord Strathcona medal.
To be able to receive the award, Filmer said a cadet needs to have top physical and military training.
"You have high-level physical fitness as well as full and complete knowledge of military matters and full knowledge of the cadet movement from air, army and sea," said Filmer, who has been in cadets for six years.
Filmer said he was speechless when he heard his name called for the Lord Strathcona Medal.
"I received the Legion of Excellence medal three years ago. It was like that, but double," Filmer said of how he felt when receiving the medal.
The annual review ceremony allows the cadets to showcase what they have learned over the course of the year, while also getting the chance to receive awards and medals.