Kyla Kohler, 2017 Miss Teen Kosciusko County Fair Queen, stated part of the pageant preparation involved learning how to walk properly in a pageant. According to her the girls weren’t mean like they are in the movies. Each of the girls was helpful and supportive of one another.

WARSAW — Preparing for her senior year at Lakeland Christian Academy, 17-year-old Kyla Kohler decided she wanted to do something different. As she stated, she wanted to do something to help “come out of my shell because I’m a little shy.”

Since she knew others who had previously participated in the Kosciusko County Fair Queen Pageant, she began asking questions and attended the informational meeting. It sounded like fun so Kohler signed up and attended the weekly meetings. Workshops were offered along with learning tips and tricks and having to choose an outfit based on that year’s theme. Having to prepare a speech was one aspect that Kohler hoped would help her gain more confidence speaking both to people and in front of people.

The speech was one of the most defining moments of Kohler’s pageant participation. Each of the girls was encouraged to speak about something she was passionate about. For Kohler that was her 8-year-old sister, Hannah, who has Down syndrome. They have a special connection and Hannah helps to inspire Kyla and push her to do something different after all the issues Hannah has overcome. This has also inspired Kyla to pursue a minor in special education after she graduates from high school.

After winning and being crowned the 2017 Miss Teen Kosciusko County Fair Queen, Kohler was able to participate in a variety of fair activities. She judged a pie contest and a hot dog eating contest. She was able to hold a python and sit in a monster truck. She acted as judge of the Winona Lake Kiddie Pageant and will act as a judge for the Kosciusko County Fair Kiddie Pageant next year.

Wanting to pursue the career path of a teacher, Kohler believes the pageant experience has helped a great deal. She hopes participating in the pageant will help her be “more willing to do fun, crazy, random stuff” as a teacher. Though she is already taking a few classes at Grace College, she hopes to be officially accepted and gain entry into its impressive elementary education program next year.

Kohler’s life primarily revolves around school and volleyball and, she stated, “I really care about my academics.” In fact, she went to a volleyball camp at Grace College in fourth grade and decided she loved both the atmosphere at the college and the sport. She has played volleyball ever since, both at school and on a traveling team and is currently the captain of the team at school.

Being the oldest of five children has also helped in preparing her for a career path as a teacher. She assists her mother, Jennifer, with the day care her mother runs as well as helping in the nursery at church one Sunday a month and helping in the children’s church.

Previously Kohler had participated in fair activities with general projects for 4-H. Next year she plans on returning to the pageant scene and participating in the Miss Kosciusko County Fair Queen Pageant.

Like any normal teenager, Kohler enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as being outside and at the lake.