Mount Vernon senior Daniel Ward was recently presented with the General Carl A. Spaatz award, accompanied by a promotion to the rank of Cadet Colonel by the Civil Air Patrol National Commander at the Georgia Wing Conference.

On average, only one out of every 500 cadets earn this award, which has been earned by young men and women since 1964. Daniel is the 2097th cadet nationwide and the 58th cadet in the state of Georgia to receive the prestigious award since that time.

The General Carl A. Spaatz Award is Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor. It is presented to cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education.

Cadets qualify for this prestigious award after devoting an average of five years to progress through sixteen achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. Along the way, they develop self-discipline, a strong sense of personal responsibility, the ability to lead and persuade, and the foundations necessary for pursuing a career in aviation, space, or technology.

Daniel’s mother Caroline Ward shares, “I am so proud of the role model and leader he is. I heard from a few families of the many cadets he has mentored over this time. I hope he continues his great leadership skills in his college career and beyond.”