Skip To Main Content

Menu Trigger Container

BCS Stories

2026 BCS CC2 Cadets Annual Mess Dinner

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 Smith, 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! 

Have a Story to Share?

We love hearing from our community! If you have exciting news, personal milestones, or achievements to share, reach out to us so we can celebrate you and highlight the stories that make our BCS community shine.

More News

Reconcili-ACTION

Today, on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, our community united in orange shirts as a symbol of solidarity with Indigenous communities and as a powerful reminder of the profound injustices of the residential school system.

Read More about Reconcili-ACTION
New crew

After a rigorous month-long application process involving forms, videos, voting, and interviews, we are thrilled to introduce our new prefects for the 2024-25 school year.

Read More about New crew
To the polls

Our community exercised their democratic right today, casting votes for the candidates they think will best represent BCS as our student leaders and prefects in the upcoming 2024-25 academic year.

Read More about To the polls
Raise your TYVoices

Arabella M.-F., Form V (also known as Jo March, the lead of this weekend’s BCS Players' Club production of Little Women!) and Ana Carolina Q. A. M., Form VII, cohosted the Townships Young Voices Awards over the weekend.

Read More about Raise your TYVoices
Opening night

After a hilarious pirate play in December, the BCS Players' Club delivered a heartfelt rendition of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, adapted by Scott Davidson, this past weekend.

Read More about Opening night
student and teacher on picnic table

Fall has brought a week of sunny days with temperatures around 20 degrees, and some teachers are taking advantage of the perfect weather to bring their classes outdoors to enjoy the fresh air.

Read More about Fall factor
Two students in uniform hugging goodbye

It's that time of year when our beloved Bears say goodbye to their friends on Moulton Hill and reunite with their families for the summer.

Read More about Goodbyes
Table of award trophies and plaques.

This week, we can’t wait to celebrate our students' hard work and accomplishments—we hope you’ll join us for the following events...

Read More about Tune in
Group of kids standing on stairs outdoors

After a month-long application process involving forms, videos, voting, and interviews, we are thrilled to announce the selection of nine outstanding Form VI students as the leaders for the next school year.

Read More about Leading
Students raising a glass in dining hall

Form VII students enjoyed a delicious brunch this morning prepared by our dining hall staff to celebrate the end of a significant chapter in their lives and the beginning of an exciting new one.

Read More about Farewell brunch
Three people sit in purple chairs outdoors

Over the past weeks, Mr. Lafrance announced that he is holding brainstorming sessions with our students to get their opinions about what’s missing around campus and what improvements can be made to better their overall BCS experience.

Read More about Student voices
Three students pose with fun hats

This morning, Form V students completely transformed the Conference Room into Expo 67—the international exposition held in Montreal, Quebec in 1967 that brought Quebecois identity to a global stage.

Read More about Expo 67
Person standing in front of an electric car with BCS logos on it

We're excited to announce that our new electric security car is now on the roads of Moulton Hill, continuing to ensure safety and security for our community.

Read More about Beep beep
Five students and staff pose in room

We are proud to be part of the Round Square International Exchange program, which provides Form IV students with an incredible opportunity to explore the world, learn about different cultures, and gain a unique educational experience.

Read More about Round the globe
Ten students stand in front of table with baked goods

The Positive Change Committee (PCC) raised funds with a bake sale today to supply better chemotherapy chairs for the CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS—all thanks to an initiative started by our Building Attendant, Mr. Adam Rowell.

Read More about Baking for a cause
Teacher stands in front of white board in classroom

Over the past month, our French teacher, Mme Deschenes, has been giving workshops about sign language in Mr. Ho’s Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class.

Read More about A sign
Three students stand in chapel

Today marks the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an important day to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and his dedication to social justice, equality, and civil rights.

Read More about Standing up
Eight students stand in stairs with thank you poster in their hands

It's important to take a moment and recognize the people around us who have made us better in some way, and today on International Thank You Day, it’s the perfect time to do so!

Read More about Thank you
Student looks at computer screen in classroom

Our Form III and Form IV math wizards are working with Mrs. Sanchez McMillan as a part of a new enrichment program to work with students who excel in mathematics.

Read More about Mathletes
person holding song book in chapel

After a lovely performance by Mrs. Melinda Enns and Mme Maryse Simard this morning, we called for volunteers to participate in our upcoming holiday celebrations.

Read More about Warming up
Students on soccer team pose with trophy outdoors

Our Junior Boys Soccer Team claimed the ETIAC championship win on Wednesday with a final score of 3-1 against our local and long-standing rival Stanstead College.

Read More about Finals
Large group of students stand outdoors

Yesterday our community participated in Take Me Outside Day—an annual event held across Canada in October to “raise awareness about the importance of outdoor learning and to encourage students to spend more time outside.”

Read More about A crisp autumn day
Physiotherapist, Katelyn, and Athletic Therapist, Évelyne

Thursday, September 8 was World Physical Therapy Day and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to thank our Physiotherapist, Katelyn, and Athletic Therapist, Évelyne!

Read More about Bee's knees
construction next to tennis courts

Last week, a couple of construction projects started around the tennis courts and our community is very excited about these new campus additions.

Read More about Level up
Inscape 2020 cover with faces in rainbow of colours

Our 2020 Inscape literary magazine has received the rank of Excellent in the 2021 NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Program.

Read More about It's lit
collage of podcast studio and Enrichment Centre Sign

The R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre (EC) Coordinator, Ms. Gardner-Bray, and Learning Strategist, Ms. Largy, are thrilled to announce the launch of the EC's first podcast. 

Read More about Mic drop
four girls presenting in chapel

In honour of Women's History Month, Sara Sofia, Elsa, Emma A., Flora, and Olivia G. presented on the history of King's Hall, Compton (KHC) and Bishop's College School (BCS) women in chapel this morning.

Read More about Taking a stand