🎉 2024 Awards Banquet Highlights 🎉

Last night, we celebrated the incredible accomplishments of our Acworth Public Safety Cadets during the 2024 Awards Banquet. Each of these cadets has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion for the program. We’re beyond proud to highlight the cadets who earned top honors this year for their commitment to excellence. Below, we share the stories behind their awards and why they are truly deserving of recognition.

🏆 Chief’s Award: Cadet Sergeant Kirsten Combs
Cadet Sergeant Combs has exemplified leadership and dedication since joining the Acworth Cadet Program. Rising quickly through the ranks, she has drawn from her experience with her school’s Navy JROTC to foster teamwork and unity among her squad. One of her most notable achievements is developing a physical training program that continues to inspire cadets to reach new fitness goals. In fact, her efforts led to the creation of the Physical Training Coordinator position, significantly improving cadet fitness across the board.

Beyond her leadership in training, Cadet Sergeant Combs has shown commitment to volunteering, logging over 200 hours of service, including extensive involvement in Special Olympics events. Her impact on both the cadet program and the community is invaluable, and we are honored to recognize her with the Chief’s Award.

🎖️ Cadet of the Year: Cadet Captain Alexis Mistretta
Cadet Captain Mistretta earned the Cadet of the Year award, which was selected by her peers and a committee of law enforcement officials. Captain Mistretta’s nomination stood out due to her consistent dedication to the program and her heart for service. Some of her highlights include leading the planning of the upcoming “Cops and Bobbers” fishing event, which will take place in spring 2025, and organizing a Memorial Run to honor fallen officers.

Her tireless volunteer work spans numerous events, including city and Special Olympics activities, where she is always front and center—whether dancing with athletes, wearing the polar bear suit, or helping with event logistics. Captain Mistretta embodies the spirit of giving and has earned a reputation as a hard worker with a big heart. Her fellow cadets and mentors alike know her as someone who always puts others first and approaches every task with passion and dedication. Congratulations, Captain Mistretta!

🌟 Excellence in Leadership Award: Cadet Lieutenant Kamran Padilla
Cadet Lieutenant Padilla is the embodiment of leadership. Known for his patience and guidance, Lieutenant Padilla consistently goes above and beyond in helping new cadets transition into the program. He ensures that each cadet feels welcomed and supported, offering clear direction and making sure everyone understands their responsibilities during meetings and events.

Lieutenant Padilla has also taken on the role of guiding squad leaders, holding them accountable for their tasks and providing mentorship. His influence extends beyond our program, as other cadet programs have requested his assistance in training newer cadets due to his outstanding ability to teach and lead. Lieutenant Padilla’s passion for the Acworth Cadet Program and his constant drive to improve it make him the perfect recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award.

🚀 Rookie of the Year: Cadet Kaidence Gentry
Since joining the program in 2023, Cadet Kaidence Gentry has shown remarkable drive and enthusiasm. From her first meeting, she jumped into action and has continuously demonstrated her commitment to the cadet program. Whether at events or meetings, Cadet Gentry is always ready to assist, never hesitating to take on responsibilities with a positive attitude.

Known for her eagerness to learn and ability to motivate others, Cadet Gentry stands out as someone who refuses to sit back and watch, she’s always in the middle of the action, ready to contribute. Her dedication, combined with her kindness and work ethic, has earned her the Rookie of the Year Award, and we are excited to see how she continues to grow in the program. Congratulations, Cadet Gentry!

We are immensely proud of all our cadets and their hard work this year. Stay tuned as we continue to share more about each of these incredible young leaders! đź‘Ź

 

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