Dunedin cadet tops

Laura Fleming, a 17-year-old St John cadet from Dunedin, has been named the organisation's National Cadet of the Year 2010.

Five cadets representing the five St John regions took part in the annual national cadet of the year competition held in Rotorua recently.

Cadets were assessed on an interview, a presentation and a speech.

Laura, who qualified for the nationals after winning the southern region final, is the first cadet from that region to be awarded the title.

Being announced the national winner was amazing, she said.

"I was so ... overwhelmed at the start. It didn't hit me until later."

Now, she is looking forward to the year ahead in which she must represent New Zealand's 8000 youth cadets at St John functions and events, and lead various projects.

"St John is already a great organisation, but I want to work on things that will make it even better."

Laura, who attends St Hilda's Collegiate School, joined St John Youth when she was 11, after getting "hooked" when she had to do a first aid course for school.

"I love the atmosphere. It's like a big family - the friends you make here are for life. That's what I really love about St John."

While all of her spare time recently has centred around St John, next year she will be extra busy as she also undertakes her final year of secondary school. Her intention is to study management at the University of Otago.

And as soon as she is 18, she hopes to become a volunteer ambulance officer.

"I can't wait."

St John southern region youth manager John Baker said Laura was a fine example of a St John Youth member and a "wonderful" role model for other youth members throughout the region.