Cadets of the Jamestown Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron NY 402 held an awards ceremony honoring milestone achievements and honors recently.

Major Brian Wells, commander of the Western New York group, was in attendance to present the awards.

Cadet Zachary Gendron was recognized as a new cadet, receiving his name plate.

Several new cadets received the Curry Award, the first major achievement in the cadet promotion program. Cadets must meet leadership, character and readiness standards. Those cadets include: C/Amn Sophie Bennett, C/Amn Jacob Boisvert, C/Amn Isaac Boisvert, C/Amn Arlene Boisvert, C/Amn Esther Boisvert, C/Amn Connor Johnson.

C/SrA Olivia Bennett was promoted to senior airman which is the third achievement in the program.

Three cadets were recognized for achieving the Wright Brothers award, which recognizes excellence in leadership, aerospace knowledge, fitness, and character. Those cadets include: C/SSgt Dawson Benson, C/TSgt Ella Bilott and C/SSgt Anthony Grice.

C/2d Lt Aiden Maybach and FO Luis Gonzalez were awarded the Air Search and Rescue Ribbon for successfully participating on a mission in March 2026, locating a distress beacon that was activated.

Two cadets were recognized for achieving the Billy Mitchell award. Cadets must complete the first eight achievements of the CAP cadet program, which includes evaluations in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness and moral and ethical leadership. A comprehensive 100-question examination covering leadership theory and aerospace topics must also be passed. Those cadets include C/2d Lt Alannah Garza and C/2d Lt Jackson Harper.

One cadet, C/Capt Finn Johnson, was recognized for achieving the Amelia Earhart award, which serves as a stepping stone for further leadership roles within the CAP and beyond. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community service, and the pursuit of excellence in aerospace education.

C/Maj Amelia Matteson-Garza received two proclamations from the state Assembly and U.S. Congress to recognize her achievement as 2025 Cadet of the Year for the Western New York Civil Air Patrol group.

A senior member, 2d Lt Denise Bilott, was also promoted to second lieutenant.