Pipestone Flyer
Beautiful, articulate, confident, genuine. Understands the importance of setting goals and works hard to achieve them. Realizes the importance of education. Shows respect and consideration for others. Generally being content with personal achievements while being respected by others for having achieved them.
These are some of the words that describe attributes required to become a finalist in the 13th edition of the Miss Universe Canada 2015 competition, May 16th to May 23rd, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario. These are also the same words that describe Ms. Kathryn Kohut, a twenty-four year old, 5’6” charming young lady who lists Wetaskiwin, Alberta as her hometown. The winner of the Miss Universe Canada 2015 competition will go on to represent Canada at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant later this year.
Ms. Kohut has experienced the ‘bright lights’ but has retained the values acquired during her upbringing in the rural community of Wetaskiwin. She is truly a genuine person. One of her favorite quotes describing her life enhancing experiences during the Miss Universe journey from the City of Wetaskiwin to the Miss Universe Canada finals is, “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
There are many beautiful and talented young ladies who could qualify to compete in the Miss Universe contest. What sets Kathryn aside are her core values; family, community, commitment and hard work. Even at a young age she acquired a clear understanding that, ‘kindness and keeping an open mind makes a person value life and the people around them more.’ This commitment, augmented by routine early mornings, constant travel and working long hours have become a satisfying way-of-life, not a burden, for Kathryn.
Kathryn proudly acknowledges she is a fourth generation pipeline worker. She is employed as a full time Health and Safety Advisor for one of the largest construction companies in Canada. This in itself requires a special understanding of people. “My experience working in a male dominated industry has taught me a lot of important things. I face difficult and stressful situations daily with confidence, strength and composure.”
Kathryn is comfortable in two distinctly different environments. She is as relaxed sporting her daytime occupational attire of work boots, coveralls and a hard hat as she is in front of a camera adorned in a beautiful gown and heals in the evening. This is indicative of her understanding of the level of courage and commitment it takes to step outside of one’s comfort zone and try something new. “Taking the first step towards your goals and dreams is not always easy, but in hindsight, it is always worth it.”
Beyond the Miss Universe pageant and working in the oil patch, Kathryn has participated in a diverse array of pastimes; horseback riding, long distance running, fashion, reading, playing chess, dance, piano, swimming, gymnastics and is a self-acclaimed movie buff. “I love being outdoors and long distance running has always been a passion of mine in races throughout and after high school.”
Kathryn’s grandparents have always had a strong influence on her life. “I am so fortunate to have the family that I have. I deeply admire the relationship that my parents and grandparents have with each other. To this day, they continue to teach my sister and me so much about life and relationships with others. I continue to abide by my mother’s advice, “Kathryn, be a leader and always do the right thing even if no one else around you is.”
Although she leads a very ambitious and busy lifestyle, Kathryn always makes time to volunteer and give back to the communities where she travels. “Most recently, I devoted time away from work towards a Youth Centre in a small town in Saskatchewan and also spent time at the local medical clinic working with senior citizens. I had a life-changing opportunity in Costa Rica where I volunteered in a community center, a woman’s shelter and a dog shelter. I also helped repair and rebuild houses for some grateful families in very underprivileged areas. The experience was beautiful and humbling and it is one that I will never forget.”
Kathryn will be continuing her charitable efforts on May 1st, 2015 by hosting a fundraiser at the Wetaskiwin Legion in support of Give the Gift of Smile, a fundraiser for Operation Smile. Operation Smile provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe. Cocktails, buffet dinner, live jazz band, ventriloquist show, silent auction, 50/50 draw and more. For more information contact Jody at (780) 312-5445 or email at kckohut@gmail.com
Kathryn sums up her thoughts by stating, “Winning this title would not be the end, but the beginning of an extraordinary and very fulfilling journey.”