Be All That You Can Be Leadership – Master Warrant Officer Tanvi Manchineni '24

"Be all that you can be" is the mantra of Training Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Tanvi Manchineni '24. In her graduating year at King’s-Edgehill School, Tanvi shares how to Be More! Her main roles in cadets are ensuring the roll out of the training schedule to the instructors and she serves as the master of ceremonies at major cadet parades. Commanding Officer (CO), Captain James Skafte, and Tanvi sat down to discuss her pivotal role within the 254 King’s-Edgehill School Highland Cadet Corps.

CO: You have some significant roles in the corps, but I first wanted to mention that I saw your performance in the Senior School play, A Simpler Time, and your performance last fall in Matilda the Musical. We can see that you really enjoy the performing arts, could you tell us more about your interests and passions at King’s-Edgehill School?

Tanvi: I’ve always loved aspects of the arts since I started here at a young age with dance. That continued with the dance team, which I am now a captain of. I found leadership there and within the productions I have participated in. I came here in Grade 7, and I think that I have been a part of every production since I started. When I did Matilda the Musical as a Grade 12 student, my friend, Emily Mei '24, and I choreographed the musical numbers and taught them to the rest of the cast. With A Simpler Time, all the cast got together and we just made it happen.

CO: Well done! My daughter and I attended A Simpler Time, and I brought all my children to watch Matilda. You must enjoy being involved in these plays! You mentioned that you have friends in the play who are senior leaders in the corps such as Emily Mei, a Warrant Officer, and Sabine Wellard '24, a Master Warrant Officer. What are your leadership responsibilities in cadets and at KES?

Tanvi: I am the Training Sergeant Major and I work with the Training Warrant Officer and Training Sergeant to make sure that we get the lesson plans for each week's cadet training schedule and make sure that the lesson plans are printed, organized, and determine what activities each platoon is doing. This is done with the help of Captain Logan Morse and Captain James Skafte. I also act as master of ceremonies for major cadet parades like the Change of Command, Remembrance Day, and the annual Cadet Inspection and Review. In school leadership, I serve as Executive Council Head for the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee. So, I work with Mrs. Jenna Pennington, Ms. Meghan Keoughan, and Abbey MacRae '24 who is my fellow executive head. We get together with a committee and make sure the DEI initiatives are present in the School.

CO: You are involved in many important roles! When did you join King’s-Edgehill and what were your early leadership roles?

Tanvi: I joined the School in my Grade 7 year in December of 2018 when I moved here from England. I didn’t start at the beginning of the year, just when I arrived. Throughout Junior School, I took advantage of all the opportunities that I was presented. I volunteered at Harvest House and was a reading buddy. Getting a taste of volunteering made me want to do more. In Grade 9 I became a Sergeant in cadets, and I got the opportunity to fill in as Platoon Sergeant and for Warrant Officer. When I got to fill in for those roles, I got a taste of what it would be like. I enjoyed being able to have a position in cadets which made me want to work towards having more responsibility.

CO: As you moved along in cadets, what leadership role did you take on in Grade 10?

Tanvi: I served another year as a Sergeant and then in Grade 11 I was a Warrant Officer in the Colour Party and carried the Regimental Colour. Going into Grade 12 I was promoted to Master Warrant Officer and given the appointment of Training Sergeant Major.

CO: Very well done Tanvi!

Tanvi: Usually if you’re in the Colour Party in Grade 11 and hold the Regimental Colour the following year you’ll hold the King’s Colour. Major Keith Hynes said that he would rather have me in the role of Training Sergeant Major for Grade 12, which is my current position.

CO: You have done very well progressing through the ranks and today you are third-in-command of the corps to the DSM and RSM. With leading you first need experience as a follower then you can develop into a leader. What advice do you have for us on how to be a great leader?

Tanvi: I think that the biggest thing for me is leading by example. I think that if you focus on yourself and try to be the best version of yourself such as being responsible, that’s important. Do everything that you are supposed to be doing so people around you can see that. This way they’ll say to themselves that maybe I should also be doing those things. When people look up to you, they’ll see what you are doing and know that’s what got you to where you are today. Not every situation is going to go the way that you planned. Being level-headed to get through what ever you need to is important.

CO: Those are great words of advice! Who has influenced you and has been a role model to you?

Tanvi: My parents have been my role models. They are both doctors. I’ve been able to see the changes that they have made every day in their lives. They are both very hard-working and ambitious. That has inspired me to be hard-working, ambitious, and go after what I want in life.

CO: Tanvi, could you tell us about yourself?

Tanvi: Sure! I have a sister at KES who is in Grade 9. Her name is Maanvi Manchineni '27 and she is a Sergeant in cadets. She is in platoon 9 and has volunteered for the annual Cadet Mess Dinner and a few Honour Guards. She is doing well in the corps.

CO: If you have spare time, which I know must be challenging given your responsibilities, what do you do?

Tanvi: I like to read. So, when I get a chance, which isn’t very often now that I am in the IB Diploma program, I like to read mysteries and fantasy. I also enjoy dancing and singing.

CO: What are some of your favorite outdoor activities?

Tanvi: I recently started playing softball and am enjoying it quite a bit. I like to go biking with my family as well.

CO: What do your career ambitions and dreams look like?

Tanvi: For next year, my plan is to attend Dalhousie University for medical sciences. The plan is to become a doctor and go into medicine.

CO: What a fantastic goal! This is the early years of your journey as you complete Grade 12. How long do you anticipate your university education will take?

Tanvi: It’s going to take a while with four years towards my undergraduate then four years of medical school. Then I’ll have residency afterward. It’s a long journey but I’m sure it will be worth it.

CO: It will certainly be worth it! All good things in life require much work. All the very best in your future ambitions.

Tanvi: Thank you!