KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Sea Cadets, otherwise known as the naval cadets, celebrated their annual prize-giving and standing-down parade recently.
In a joyful atmosphere, the exams being largely over, a number of special guests attended the parade on 25 November by special invitation.
The inspecting officer was Jim Parkes, the managing director of Geo Parkes & Sons, who had a special message for the youngsters.
Also present was Mrs Margaret Parkes, George Parkes and Elsa Lynne Flint and Rear Admiral Theo Honiball in seats of honour.
Also present were representatives of the Knysna Rotary, Lions and yacht clubs, SANParks and St George's church.
The mayor and speaker of council had other commitments and were unable to be present, but sent their good wishes.
After presenting the awards to the worthy winners, Jim Parkes addressed the parade.
He said that his family and company had been involved with the sea cadets for 20 years, and had contributed to the construction of the classrooms.
They had also sponsored the restoration of three very significant boats for training purposes and sponsored braais and meals.
He said they felt it was time to assist cadets hoping to join the navy or further their education past matric by making extra training classes in mathematics and science possible.
Preliminary arrangements were being made to make classes available after school with Knysna Secondary School and a preeminent educator, Michael Dregner, next year.
The award winners at the prize-giving were (front from left) midshipman Amber Cloete, Lieutenant Tamboer, Mr Jim Parkes, Lieutenant Commander Steve Eriksen, leading seaman Henmies, leading seaman Harker, (back) able seaman Witbooi, seaman Coetzee, chief petty Officer Arnolds, seaman Herder and petty officer Petersen. Photo: Supplied
He has been advised that additional training in mathematics should start in Grade 10, and be maintained through to matric.
The officer commanding (OC) training ship Knysna, Lieutenant Commander Steven Eriksen, thanked Jim Parkes for his kind words, and for the promised assistance with education.
He also thanked Mr Parkes for the very substantial contribution his company had made to the renovation of the 14m twin-masted sailing vessel, to be launched next week in celebration of his company's 125th anniversary of its founding.
He then invited all the guests to enjoy the very generous supply of cakes and sandwiches sponsored by Mr Parkes and made by the father of cadet of the year, midshipman Amber Cloete.
The cadets and Jim Parkes joined the OC for a joint photograph with the prize winners.
ARTICLE: STEVE ERIKSEN, KNYSNA
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