The cadet corps was formed in 1914 at the beginning of WW1 and was still a vital part of our school’s life a half-century later. Affiliated with the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highland regiment based in Cornwall the corps’ main objective was the training of young people to fight wars. When I became a student there in 1949 the school had an enrollment of just over 200 students. Principal Wellington J. C. Barrett, the long-serving, highly-respected principal, took sole charge of the cadet corps when he became principal in 1918. He stipulated that the cadet training be a mandatory requirement for the whole student body, both male and female. It was his pride and joy. Over the years it gained wide recognition as one of the top army cadet corps in the area.
I was a conscientious, able student, who relished school’s academic focus, but the cadet corps also held special interest for me. During my student years (1945-54) I was an avid participant in all aspects of cadet life, including the strict military-style marching practices, the rifle club, precision rifle drills, and assigned leadership positions. The highlight of the cadet corps year took place in late spring when the whole community turned out for its annual inspection. Our pulses quickened the moment a high-ranking army officer appeared to conduct the inspection. Each male student was in full dress uniform of the Scottish Highlanders (red tunic, MacDonald tartan kilt, white spats, diamond socks, sporran and Glengarry cap). The female students wore white blouses, red vests, and dark skirts. We spent the morning performing intricate marching manoeuvres, precision rifle drills, and machine gun demonstrations. Once the drills were over, we relaxed during complimentary speeches by the inspecting officer and local dignitaries.
After the exciting, but tense morning, the student body was bussed to Cornwall for a free afternoon. There we strutted up and down the main street like peacocks in our striking uniforms, enjoying our free time. That night the adult community joined us as we all gathered in the town hall for the annual cadet dance, one of the highlights of the year. Having a date for that big night was a high priority among the students. During my first year in high school, a close female friend arranged a date for me with a student whom I did not know. She was pretty, seldom spoke, and was painfully shy. I was awkward and ill-at-ease. After all the hype about finding a partner for the dance, my first attempt at dating proved to be a big disappointment.
During my five years of high school I rose from a private to Cadet Major (Commanding Officer) in my final year. To my delight I was awarded the Cadet Gold Star, the highest cadet award. During my Grade 13 year I was chosen by my school to be one of 235 cadets selected from across Canada to spend the summer after graduation in the Canadian Rockies, as guests of the Canadian Armed Forces.
