Royal Recognition: St. Stephen CSS student awarded King Charles III’s Coronation Medal

June 25, 2025

Addison Irwin, a student at St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville and a dedicated member of the 172 Clarington Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional leadership and community service.

Addison has a leadership role in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a youth program supported by the Canadian Armed Forces, as a Flight Sergeant, one of the squadron’s senior ranks.

She also serves as the commander of both the drill team and the flag party.

The Coronation Medal, awarded to Canadians who have made significant contributions to their community, province, or country, came as a surprise to Addison. 

“Since it was my Commanding Officer (CO) who nominated me for the award it made me feel so happy that he believed in me and my accomplishments. It meant a lot to me that I was even considered to receive such an award,” Addison said. “Over the last year I have struggled a lot with imposter syndrome and this medal helped me to gain some perspective of my accomplishments throughout the years I have been at the squadron.”

Addison hopes to continue her path of service by attending the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston to study aerospace engineering, with aspirations of becoming a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force.