The Army Cadet League of Canada (the League) is proud to announce that Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Cloey Zatwarniski has been selected as the 2026 Medal of Merit – With Walsh Bar recipient, recognizing her as Canada’s Outstanding Army Cadet.
This prestigious honour recognizes CWO Zatwarniski’s exceptional leadership, citizenship, dedication to service and academic achievement, qualities that exemplify the highest ideals of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program.
On the evening of August 26, CWO Zatwarniski joined a Zoom call expecting to meet only with the League’s National President, Cathy Bach. Instead, she was met with a wonderful surprise of finding out she was this year’s recipient. With her family also joining the call, the moment became even more special as they shared in the excitement and expressed just how incredibly proud they are of their daughter.
Throughout her cadet career, CWO Zatwarniski has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment and participation, maintaining 100 per cent attendance at corps activities. Her reliability, enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to contribute have made her an invaluable member of her corps and a respected role model for junior cadets.
Her leadership extends beyond the corps. CWO Zatwarniski currently serves on both the Regional Cadet Advisory Council for RCSU Northwest and the National Cadet Advisory Council, hosted by the Commander. She has participated in all regional and locally directed cadet activities, consistently bringing the perspective of cadets to the organizations responsible for supporting their experience.
She has also demonstrated initiative in supporting the safety and development of younger cadets. Recognizing the importance of helping new cadets navigate the digital tools available to them, CWO Zatwarniski created and delivered a presentation to help Green Star cadets understand and effectively use the Cadets365 platform.
Her record of achievement is equally impressive. CWO Zatwarniski was awarded the Bonneville Leadership Cup in 2023, followed by Top Silver Star and the Esprit de Corps Trophy in 2024. In 2025, she received both the Legion Medal of Excellence and the prestigious Lord Strathcona Medal. She is also slated to receive the Top Cadet in the Corps Award in 2026.
Her commitment to service extends well beyond the cadet program. CWO Zatwarniski has devoted countless hours to her community through volunteer service at Remembrance Day ceremonies, Poppy Campaigns, Last Post Fund activities, Decoration Day services, and Vimy Ridge commemorations. She has also volunteered backstage for school productions, participated in her school’s tutoring program, assisted with running events in Regina, served as an archivist with the Royal United Services Institute, and volunteered with the Marian Centre.
Through these efforts, CWO Zatwarniski has demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving others while helping preserve important Canadian traditions, history and heritage.
CWO Zatwarniski’s selection as the 2026 Medal of Merit with Walsh Bar recipient is a remarkable achievement and a fitting recognition of the dedication she has demonstrated throughout her cadet career.
Her accomplishments are a source of pride for her corps, her community and the League and serve as an example of the impact that young Canadians can make through leadership, service and a commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to CWO Zatwarniski on being named Canada’s Outstanding Army Cadet and recipient of the 2026 Medal of Merit with Walsh Bar.
