Post ‘a really big honour’ for teen

When Ethan Drake became a St John cadet as an 11-year-old, he was just looking to try something new and meet people.

Six years on, the Alexandra teenager has taken his passion for St John to the next level.

The recently graduated Dunstan High School pupil has been selected as the St John National Cadet of the Year for 2022.

Ethan was presented with his korowai, or cloak, in a special ceremony on Monday.

As part of his new role, Ethan will support St John cadets throughout the country as well as St John’s other national programmes.

He will also act as a voice for youth in the governance of St John.

In a special twist, the presentation was made by Ethan’s father, St John Alexandra division manager Darryn Drake.

Mr Drake said he was ‘‘really proud’’ of his son’s achievement.

Ethan, who was also the Central Otago District Cadet of the Year both this year and last year, said he was delighted about his appointment and looked forward to what the year held and working with all those involved.

‘‘It’s a really big honour and I feel very privileged and lucky to have been selected,’’ he said.

St John national youth manager Kerry Mitchell said an outstanding group of candidates had applied for the role, but Ethan stood out for his ‘‘unbridled energy, humour and character’’.

Ethan starts in the role in January.