For Shannon, 17, he received the award for most outstanding cadet for 2017 for excellence in all areas of leadership and training.

Meanwhile Ashleigh, 15, was awarded the Adam Dunning Memorial trophy for most outstanding recruit in 2017.

The duo, who are both Yass High School students, said they were proud and honoured.

“I’m honoured to have received this award and to be recognised for the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the 334 Squadron over the past five years,” Shannon said.

Similarly, Ashleigh said the trophy would help her future goals.

“Being chosen for this award has given me the confidence to continue and succeed. I’m now very driven to work hard and follow my dream to become a helicopter pilot with the Australian Defence Force,” she said.

The AAFC is a youth program based on the structure of the RAAF that focuses on aviation, field craft and personal development.

The siblings’ parents, Adrian and Karen Lawler, said the awards were strong recognition of their children’s hard work.

“We are so proud of both our children. The commitment they both have shown in their achievements are a credit to them.

“They both work very hard,” Mr Lawler said.

Both of them have inspiring stories about their road to achievement.

Shannon, who started as a cadet as the youngest recruit in 2013, aspires to have a career in the Australian Defence Force.

His current roles at each Wednesday parade night are senior instructor of radio communications, field craft–field operations, drill and ceremonial, navigation and survival and flight commander in charge of 3/11 sections.

In September of 2016 and 2017, he attended ‘Titans Rise’, which is a 96-hour advanced leadership, survival and adventure scenario where he attained the Adventure Training Award (ATA).

Only five out of 15 cadets attained the ATA badge.

Other highlights include being awarded the 2015 and 2016 ACT Reserved Forces Day Council award for being the most consistent cadet.

“For all of these roles, I prepare in my own time while working and studying,” he said.

As for his sister, she will begin year 10 in 2018 and is working towards being a helicopter pilot in the long term.

“I’m working hard on my class exams to be promoted to leading cadet. I also attend class and parade each Wednesday night and my lessons include instruction on subjects such as aviation, field craft, air force–service knowledge and drill ceremony,” she said.

The siblings are also volunteer members of Remount – a horsemanship clinic that eases the burden of ex-military members who are suffering from stress related to their service, PTSD, or injury.

Each year, both attend Canberra for the Anzac march.