TOP CADET PILOT: Acton Air Cadet WO2 Mark Crha of Rockwood was named the top Canadian Cadet pilot during a Cadet Mess Dinner on Tuesdat at the Acton Legion. – Frances Learment photo
Rockwood teen is top gun Earns National award.
Talk about a top gun.
Enduring humble, proud and surprised – that’s how WO2 Second Class Mark Crha reacted to learning he’d won the prestigious Virginia Mitchell award from the Air Cadet League of Canada as the top male pilot in Canada.
This National Flying Scholarship Award earned by the 17-year-old Rockwood native follows the Top Ontario Pilot Cadet award Crha won earlier this year. He accepted the award at a 197 Typhoon Squadron Mess Dinner on Tuesday night t the Acton Legion.
“I’m a little surprised – it’s pretty overwhelming.” Crha said, adding he’s always had an interest in aviation whetted by the Acton Air Cadets. After qualifying as a glider pilot. Crha attended power flight school in Oshawa this past summer.
“I got to spend the whole summer flying – it was unbelievable. It was hard work leading up to the course and the course was hard work, but it was definitely worth it.” Crha said after accepting congratulations from his fellow Cadets and Mess Dinner guests.
“Its hard work leading up the course, its hard work on the course, but its all worth it and the hard work paid off, showing with the opportunities offered by Cadets, anyone can do it.” Crha said. Along with a certificate of his achievement, Crha accepted a $1000 cheque.
Crha was one of 250 Canadian Cadets invited to the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship Program, which provides $13,000 per Cadet for the training to get their power wings.
Crha is “extremely academic” according to his former C/O Katie Nulall, who said he is also “extremely hard working” and determined to be the best he can be.
The New Tanner.
