Not only is Kelowna a beautiful place but some of it’s residents have a claim to that description too. On a pleasant visit to Moxies Classic Grill on Cooper Road a relative informed me that the restaurant had the most attractive looking staff in town. Certainly, upon inspection, I was more than willing to agree! Now news comes through to substantiate the theory for a waitress in the restaurant has actually been crowned Miss Canada International 2008.
Kelowna’s Catherine Thomas, 22, a local resident and server at the restaurant won the prestigious title and was awarded her crown in Mississauga, Ontario last Saturday night to her’s and her families great excitement. Catherine, a graduate of Heritage Christian School also attended the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC last year in order to study dance, acting and singing.
It appears that the Canadian competition has evolved along different lines from it’s US counterpart. Gone are the swimsuit sections and the criteria being solely on looks, the essence is reported on being in aspects such as intellect, personality and even charity work. Contestants are quizzed on questions about politics, current affairs and Canadian history. They also have to produce an essay. This all sounds very ‘Canada’ doesn’t it!
The Kelowna girl’s favoured charity is New Opportunities for Women Canada, based in the city. It’s a worthy institution that offers assistance for sexually exploited women which Catherine will be speaking about at public functions. She plans to carry out these commitments whilst continuing to work at Moxies in Kelowna. Curiously, Miss Canada International could have been any one of a number of serving staff from the evening I spent there, incidentally.
Miss Canada International is a pageant which offers an academic scholarship to be used at a school chosen by the victorious contestant. It seems to be a worthy development to the tired and outdated former beauty contest formula. Well done to Catherine Thomas – one of Kelowna’s beautiful people.
THE TEARS OF A CLOWN 