Height: 5’4″
Hometown: Leamington, ON
Catherine was born and raised in the Tomato Capital of Canada, Leamington Ontario. She is currently a student at Western University, set to graduate this spring with an Honors Bachelor of Medical Science degree. Catherine is passionate about the sciences and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field as a physician. Catherine is an advocate for helping others in both her community of Leamington and the community of Western University. As Audrey Hepburn said, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
Along with studying science, Catherine believes that her relationship with the arts is equally important. The arts have allowed her to think outside the box and her creativity allows her to adapt quickly to change. She has danced competitively for her high school and Western University, where she choreographed award-winning numbers. She also choreographs for CAISA Fashion Show where she has helped raise $75,000 for Children’s Health Foundation to date. Catherine loves to be involved in her community and donate to charity. She has been involved in Shoppers Drug Mart Dragon Boat fundraisers and fashion shows for Lupus Canada. She also raises money for Operation Smile through Western University’s Operation Smile Club and her own platform as a Miss Universe Canada 2015 delegate.
Catherine is passionate about sports, particularly hockey and soccer. She has coached and played for over 12 years and loves the community involvement she gets through playing at a competitive level. She was awarded the distinguished honour of being a 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch Bearer. Catherine also loves to tutor young children and teach. Catherine can be described as charismatic, loving and enthusiastic! Catherine hopes that Miss Universe Canada will give her a platform to continue her charity endeavors and effect change on a national scale.
Sponsors:
Rich Body, Patrick and Maggy Sonoski, Patrick Sonoski – Personal Injury Lawyer, Clothing Bar, Hakim Optical, Evelynn by Nicole Snobelen, Unforgettable Boutique, The Jean Academy, Friends & Family
Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).
English
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am most passionate about science, medicine and health. I love to learn about how new advances in medical science research are shaping our futures as Canadian citizens. I also have a background in the arts. I believe that my experience in dance, music and acting sparks creativity in me that assists me in adapting quickly to change and allows me to think outside of the box. Children are near and dear to my heart. I enjoy teaching in the summers, coaching hockey and soccer, and choreographing dance numbers. I enjoy public speaking, reading, singing and running.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I am trained in drama and dance. I have danced completive for my high school and for Western University. I have my First Aid level C certificate and my Bronze Cross in swimming. I am also trained in and now coach power skating techniques.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I have played ice hockey for 8 years and soccer for 12. I have coached both sports at beginner and competitive levels and love the rush of a good game!
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
The person that has had the most influence on my life is Ms. Maggy Sonoski, my high school dance teacher and friend. She taught me at a very young age how to carry myself with class, grace and elegance. She has given me opportunities to learn to be a positive role model for children, women and men. She has also taught me how to live a balanced life style while always staying true to myself and having fun!
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My proudest accomplishment to date would be being named an Olympic Torch Bearer in 2010. I was able to show my patriotism to Canada and the multiculturalism it has to offer. It was an opportunity to be a role model and ambassador for my country. I spoke of how the Olympic games unite Canada and the world. It is through this unity that Canada can reach its full potential.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I believe that my passion for both science and art is one of the most interesting things about me. Both subjects are important aspects of my life, and I believe that holding that balance and being well rounded is what makes me so successful in all that I do. I am able to look at situations with both an analytical and creative mindset. With that brainpower, I believe that not even the sky is the limit for what I can accomplish!
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I plan on pursuing a career as a physician. I am set to graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Medical Science degree from Western University this spring. I have spent the last 3 summers shadowing various doctors in clinics, emergency room departments, and operating rooms. I took part in the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry’s MedQuest Camp when I was 15. At MedQuest I was awarded the Enthusiasm Award and Scholarship. I was also part of Schulich’s Medical School Mentorship Program, where I had the opportunity to meet a medical student, shadow him, and learn various clinical skills. After Miss Universe Canada I hope to attend medical school and then start my career.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be to reign as Miss Universe Canada. In the long term I hope to be a MOS Surgeon, specializing in basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In this fulfilling career, I hope to send patients home cancer free every day.
Are you currently a student?
Yes
If yes, where?
Western University
Area of study:
Medical Science
Are you currently employed?
Yes
If yes, what is your occupation?
I am the owner of the business EduCamp, where children can spend their summer playing games while learning at the same time. I am celebrating my 7-year anniversary with Shoppers Drug Mart this coming summer as a part-time employee. I also work for University Skating School in London Ontario, where I coach hockey and teach young children how to skate.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in the beautiful Tomato Capital of Canada: Leamington, Ontario. My childhood was filled with love and family. My two younger brothers and I loved to do things together. Some of our favourite activities were visiting Point Pelee National Park to learn about the beauty of Canada’s wild-life, playing in the sand at Seacliff Beach and taking boat rides to Pelee Island. The most common places to find me were outside on the soccer field or at the hockey arena, working on my homework between practices. I loved to be out and about, eating at Jose’s Noodle Factory or Ray’s Rib House. And of course, there was never a shortage of Heinz ketchup!
Leamington is a small town booming with opportunity! Through getting involved in my community, meeting new people, and forming a close network of friends of all ages, I have been able to grow into the successful woman I am today. In my town I have had the opportunity to be a role model for young kids through hosting a Princess Ball fundraiser for Operation Smile in March of 2015, running my own summer camp: EduCamp, coaching soccer, teaching dance and carrying the Olympic Torch through the streets!
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
One of the most interesting jobs I have had was holding the title of 1st Runner-Up Miss Leamington at age 16. At such a young age, I was called to be an ambassador for my town and a role model for teenagers and adolescents in my community. I rose to the occasion and was so excited to take part in volunteering experiences and public speaking opportunities. It gave me a chance to branch out in my community, broaden my public speaking skills and represent my town as a proud ambassador!
List any volunteering you have done.
For the last 3 years I have volunteered for CAISA Fashion Show, where I have helped raise $75, 000 for Children’s Health Foundation. I have participated in Shoppers Drug Mart Dragon Boat for a cure, the Operation Smile Charity Club at Western University and fashion shows for Lupus Canada.
What is your most unusual talent?
My most unusual talent would have to be my photographic memory. It comes in handy when studying for exams or when learning new and intricate choreography for an upcoming competition!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting place I have visited is the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. I was so humbled to be enriched by the culture of Spain and the artwork of past generations. It was there that my appreciation for the arts grew to a new level. I learned that a picture really does say a thousand words, right down to the stroke of the brush that painted it!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years I hope to have held a Miss Universe title, be living with a family that I love, and working as a physician. I hope that I can stay involved in the arts, especially drama and dance. I also hope to continue getting involved in charity work throughout the country, whether it is through my own platform, or helping the future delegates of Miss Universe Canada.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I would like Canada to know that I am a fun-loving, passionate and caring woman. I cannot wait to meet the other contestants and feel the enthusiasm of so many talented and driven women from across Canada. I wish all the delegates of Miss Universe Canada the best of luck in the pageant and in all of their life endeavors. I am so honoured and excited to be able to represent my country in Miss Universe Canada!
