By Julie McLaughlin
A local woman has been nominated for an award for her work with young people in Kilkeel. Alison Campbell, the Contingent Commander for the Kilkeel High School Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and a pastoral support assistant at the school, has been shortlisted in the Cadet Instructor of the Year category as part of the 2025 Northern Irish Veterans Awards. This is the first year that this particular award is being presented.
Organisers of the awards said the new category recognises how “our cadet instructors inspire the next generation with their dedication and leadership.” The awards celebrate the achievements and successes of veterans in Northern Ireland, as well as those in related roles, and will be presented during a special ceremony tomorrow, 16 October, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.
Alison said she was surprised to learn she had been shortlisted. “Being nominated for this award came as a shock,” she said. “I never do anything for glory. However, it is lovely that someone felt I was worthy of recognition.”
She added that she and her fellow cadet force adult volunteers (CFAVs) are simply trying to do their best to support young people across Northern Ireland. “I believe any CFAV could be presented with the award for Cadet Instructor of the Year. The CFAVs from right across all the Cadet Force organisations give up so much of their time and energy to help better our young people, so they are all winners in my eyes! I am looking forward to attending the awards ceremony and celebrating the winners.”
Alison has been an adult volunteer with the Cadet Force since 1999, a role she says she thoroughly enjoys. “Army Cadets is an MOD-sponsored youth organisation, therefore the young people involved have the opportunity to take part in some activities they wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to,” she explained. “In the Army Cadets, we encourage our young people to push themselves out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to achieve things they never thought possible. As a CFAV, I get great satisfaction in seeing a young person develop during their time in cadets.”
She shared that many of the young people she’s worked with have grown remarkably through their cadet journey. “Over the years, I have seen many shy 12-year-olds coming through the door on their first parade night, only to learn and develop into a confident, successful 18-year-old senior cadet, holding rank and responsibility. It is so rewarding to see young people being shaped into well-rounded adults with the capability to mentor younger cadets and inspire them to achieve the same.”
Alison’s own journey with the cadets began in 1991, when she joined the Royal School Armagh CCF as a cadet. “After leaving school, I still wanted to be involved with the CCF, so I joined as an adult,” she said. “When I moved to Belfast for university, I transferred to 1st Battalion Army Cadet Force where I served until I was married in 2008. I then moved into the 2nd Battalion area and transferred across.”
During her time with the Army Cadet Force, Alison has held a variety of roles, ranging from Detachment Commander to Regional Healthy Minds Advisor, and many others in between.
She was also instrumental in setting up the Kilkeel High School CCF, which launched in autumn 2023.
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