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Fort Simpson cadet makes the cut for exclusive cadet training program

Sky Lennie is in for what could be the training exercise of her life this summer.

The 16 year old from Fort Simpson, N.W.T., has been accepted to the Leadership and Challenge cadet adventure program in Alberta.

"It's regarded as one of the top cadet training courses in the country," says Captain Steve Nicoll, the commanding officer of the cadet corps in Fort Simpson.

The program involves six weeks of non stop physical activity that includes kayaking in the mountains, hiking at high altitudes and glacier climbing.

"It's a very desired course by cadets, but they don't take many kids, the odds are against you," he says.

But it was more than Lennie's physical abilities that allowed her to beat the odds to get into the program.

"The cadet has to be excellent in many regards," says Nicoll.

Lennie, who has been with the cadets for four years, not only has a great attendance record but her leadership abilities led her into teaching and supervising other cadets.

However, she says what initially attracted her to the cadets was that she could have fun.

"When I was in elementary school a few of my friends were in cadets and telling me how great it was," she says.

Despite the challenges that lay ahead this summer, Lennie says she's excited about taking them on.

"It was one of my highest goals to get into this," she says.