BMS Student Appointed as Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant Cadet 25 November 2022

Year 13 student Zak Mounter has been appointed as the sixth and final Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for 2022-23.

The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Susan Lousada, serves as HM The King’s representative for Bedfordshire. Her cadets support her in carrying out her duties and their responsibilities include attending large civic services and remembrance parades, as well as supporting on royal visits when the need arises.

To be selected, the cadets nominated must be inspirational members of the cadet forces across Bedfordshire who have made outstanding contributions to their community. Zak’s appointment is a reflection of the enthusiasm with which he approaches leadership and volunteering roles in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at BMS, at school as a whole and in his local area.

Zak has been a member of the BMS CCF since he was in Year 9, and four years later he now serves as the Senior Cadet leading the Navy Section. In May 2022 the Section undertook the Coast to Coast Cycle, the UK’s most popular challenge cycle route, during which Zak acted as the student leader. Throughout the 150-mile trip he supported and mentored junior cadets, encouraging them through inclement weather and the physical hardships of this endurance challenge. He has also taken on extra responsibilities on the many sailing trips he has attended and has completed Royal Yachting Association qualifications in sailing.

His Commanding Officer explained more about Zak’s work outside of the CCF in his citation, stating that: “Zak volunteers at his local primary school, holds basic and intermediate level St John Ambulance first aid qualifications and is working towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh qualification. He is currently learning British Sign Language. As a sportsman he is a National Regatta sailor, plays club rugby outside of school, and fives and hockey at school first-team level. A keen endurance athlete, he has completed two marathons and four half-marathon distance races in aid of charity.”

On his new position, Zak added: “I am really looking forward to meeting new people, assisting the Lord-Lieutenant with her civic duties, and taking an active role in the community.”