South Bank University Academy is proud to celebrate Year 13 student Gloria, who has been awarded Best Army Cadet at the 2026 Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) Military Awards.
The awards ceremony took place at Drapers' Hall on 22 September, bringing together members of the Armed Forces and cadet organisations to recognise achievement and excellence. The annual Military Awards include honours for outstanding cadets across the Sea Cadets, Royal Marines Cadets, Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets.
Gloria's award recognises the commitment, leadership and maturity she has demonstrated through her involvement with the Army Cadet Force.
Despite being a relatively junior cadet, Gloria has consistently shown a positive attitude and a willingness to support others. Her award citation commended her for her calm, approachable and down-to-earth leadership style, which has earned her the respect of both fellow cadets and adult volunteers.
Her commitment has extended well beyond her regular cadet activities. In preparation for Annual Camp, Gloria attended barracks skills training every weekend for almost a month, balancing this alongside her other commitments and her studies at SBUA.
She has also taken on a natural mentoring role within her detachment, supporting her younger sister and fellow cadets in a calm, approachable and professional manner. Her reliability and willingness to support the wider detachment have made her a positive role model to others.
For SBUA, Gloria's achievement is something to be particularly proud of. It demonstrates the value of students developing their skills, confidence and leadership outside the classroom, alongside their academic studies.
Her success is also a reminder of the breadth of opportunities available to young people. Through experiences such as the Army Cadet Force, students can develop qualities such as leadership, responsibility, resilience, teamwork and commitment, which can support them well beyond sixth form.
We are incredibly proud of Gloria and delighted to see her hard work recognised on such a significant occasion.
Congratulations, Gloria! 🎖️