2026 BCS CC2 Cadets Annual Mess Dinner

The 2026 BCS CC2 Cadets Annual Mess Dinner brought cadets, instructors, and distinguished guests together, with Sherbrooke Mayor Marie‑Claude Bibeau as guest of honour.

More about our guest of Honour

Ms. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Mayor of the City of Sherbrooke

Long committed to Sherbrooke, Marie-Claude Bibeau has led major community projects for the city. Her hard work has secured a commitment from National Defense to thoroughly renovate our two heritage military armories in the heart of downtown Sherbrooke. As a former Federal Minister with extensive experience in public governance and the recipient of international awards, she now brings her experience and leadership to develop the City of Sherbrooke as Mayor.

About Mess Dinners

A mess dinner is a formal ceremonial gathering that brings cadets together in a shared expression of unity, respect, and pride. Rooted in longstanding customs, the evening follows established traditions, from dress standards and assigned seating to formal toasts and time-honoured rituals.

The program unfolds with intention: a reception, a structured meal, remarks from senior leaders and honoured guests, and moments of collective participation. Decorum is expected throughout, though light-hearted “fines” for minor missteps often add levity to the proceedings.

At its heart, the mess dinner is both a meaningful responsibility and a celebration of belonging within the cadet corps.

The Evening

This year’s 2026 Mess Dinner carried all the weight and warmth such an occasion deserves.

The sound of the bagpipes filled the room as cadets and guests gathered, the music giving way to easy conversation and anticipation. The introduction of the head table marked the official beginning of the night, and from that moment forward, the atmosphere shifted into something both reverent and spirited.

The fallen comrade table stood in quiet reminder of service and sacrifice. And while the evening honoured tradition with care, it was the unexpected bursts of joy, a playful penalty, a spontaneous dance, a round of singing, that brought the room to life.

Thoughtful remarks from the Head of School, the guest of honour, and the Cadet Commanding Officer closed the evening on a note of pride and reflection, leaving everyone present with a renewed sense of connection.

“To our Cadets: ce soir, vous faites partie de quelque chose de plus grand que vous. The traditions you uphold connect you to generations of young leaders who learned, as you do now, that service is both an honour and a responsibility.” 
- Kurt A. Johnson, BCS’84, Head of School.

“ But what really stands out isn’t just the institutions. It’s the people who choose to show up, to learn, to push themselves, and to serve. People like you. (…). To all cadets: your efforts, discipline, and engagement do not go unnoticed. Your community believes in you. Your mentors and officers stand behind you. Your city stands behind you.” - Marie-Claude Bibeau, Mayor of the City of Sherbrooke.

“ Leadership is why we do cadets…and it has nothing to do with your rank. In the cadet program, everyone can be a leader…and there are many different ways of showing leadership. Leadership is more than just commanding a company through a series of drill. It`s the small things…like consistently showing up to practice on time, wearing your uniform properly, taking the time to help those who are confused, and leading by example.” - Kenzie S., BCS’26, Cadet Commanding Officer.

The 2026 Mess Dinner was a memorable celebration of tradition and camaraderie, leaving cadets and guests proud to be part of the BCS cadet family.

To see more photos from the 2026 Mess Dinner, head to our Flickr!