লেফটেন্যান্ট কর্নেল মিরান্ডা মিলস মর্যাদাপূর্ণ পুরষ্কার পেয়েছেন
Lieutenant Colonel Miranda Mills of Essex Army Cadet Force has been honoured with the Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT) UK President’s Certificate for 2025. This recognised her exceptional leadership, dedication, and long‑standing service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme. The award celebrates more than two decades of Miranda’s unwavering commitment to helping young people achieve their full potential through one of the UK’s most respected youth development schemes.
Since joining the Army Cadets in 2001, Miranda has been a driving force behind DofE delivery at every level: detachment, company, county, and region. Her passion for the programme has enabled thousands of cadets to complete their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Known for her creativity and determination, she has consistently encouraged cadets and adult volunteers to think ambitiously about their goals and supported them in finding meaningful, achievable pathways to success.
County and Regional roles
As County DofE Officer for Essex, Miranda led the county to win the prestigious DofE Quaich Trophy on three separate occasions, firmly establishing Essex Army Cadets as one of the top-performing counties in the UK. Under her leadership, Essex regularly achieved more than 200 award passes annually, an extraordinary benchmark that remains unmatched.
Her influence extended even further when she became the Regional DofE Advisor for East Anglia, a role she held for four years. During this time, she supported counties across the region to strengthen their DofE programmes, leading to Cambridgeshire Army Cadets securing the Quaich Trophy.
Impact
Miranda’s impact is not limited to statistics or awards. She has been instrumental in delivering life‑changing opportunities for cadets, including a tall‑ship voyage around the UK, overseas voluntary project in Ghana, and adventurous expeditions in Croatia and Scotland. One notable participant used the confidence and experience gained through his Gold Award to secure a university place to study medicine; he has since graduated and is now a qualified doctor.
Her leadership style is defined by empowerment and sustainability. Miranda has mentored and inspired multiple DofE Officers, both within Essex and across East Anglia. Even as she recently stepped down from her regional role, Miranda ensured continuity by identifying and training three capable successors, each now applying to carry forward the work she began.
This latest honour follows her ACFA President’s Certificate awarded in 2017, further cementing her reputation as one of the most dedicated and influential DofE leaders within the Army Cadet community.
Lieutenant Colonel Mills’s contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has transformed lives, strengthened counties, and shaped the future of youth development across the region. The ACCT UK President’s Certificate is a fitting recognition of her extraordinary service, leadership, and enduring legacy.