A Wānaka St John ​​cadet who has been involved with the organisation since he was six years old has earned the highest youth award available. 

Carter Hewson (17) visited Dunedin in late September to receive his Grand Prior Award.

This award is reserved for cadets who have completed at least 12 St John ‘badges’ - which can range from civil defence to fire safety and leadership programmes - and 100 hours of community service. 

Being part of St John has been a formative experience for Carter: Next year he will move to Wellington to study paramedicine and he hopes to become a paramedic for St John when he completes his studies. 

Carter said St John clicked for him right from the start.

“My mum found out about it through a local newsletter and brought me along and I have enjoyed it ever since,” he told the Wānaka App. 

The role is a significant time commitment for the Mount Aspiring College student but it’s worth it for “the satisfaction of being able to work towards badges and being able to teach the young cadets new things”. 

“I’m at the point where I’m old enough that I’m in a leadership position now,” Carter said. “I create lesson plans and teach younger cadets different badges.”

There are also weekly get-togethers, leadership development training and various opportunities that come with being a part of St John. 

St John Wānaka representative Tina Simmonds said Carter had received his Super Penguin Award (for young cadets who complete a set number of badges) at eight years old and said he is currently one of the youngest leaders in the Wānaka division.

She said his award was a “significant achievement”.

Find out more about St John Youth programmes here.

PHOTO: Supplied