STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE – Great Kills native Katlyn Cohen, Miss Staten Island 2015, is fulfilling her lifelong dream.

The former beauty queen has been asked to participate in the Disney College Program, where she’ll be enrolled in classes at Disney University while serving an internship in entertainment.

“I’ve been dreaming about doing this program since I was 11 years old and I can’t believe my dreams of working for the Walt Disney Company are finally coming true,” says Katlyn.

She adds: “I will also be videotaping my entire journey on my YouTube channel if anyone is interested in following my adventures!” 

The bright, brunette beauty says she is incredibly excited about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and is grateful for the love and support the Miss Staten Island Board, her family and friends have shown.

Katlyn was named Miss Staten Island at only 18 years of age and on her very first try at any pageant competition.

For her talent performance she delivered a dramatic contemporary monologue from the beloved play “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder, having performed it earlier as part of her senior project.

Katlyn, the daughter of Jen and Eric Cohen, chose a hot topic for her pageant platform: “Stop the Texts and Stop the Wrecks.”

To say the former Miss Staten Island looks with enthusiasm toward her trip to the Sunshine State, would be somewhat of an understatement.

Before she ventures down south, however, the College of Staten Island co-ed will be feted by her pageant family and friends at a “Good Luck Dinner” Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Perkin’s Restaurant on Amboy Road in Eltingville.

All are invited to attend. Note: There’s no entrance fee. Guests are responsible for dinner.

“We are always proud and happy when one of our title holders advances in her dreams,” said Jim Smith, pageant executive director.

All pageant princesses and former contestants are encouraged to attend.

This article by Carol Ann Benanti was first published January 16, 2017 on www.silive.com.  It is reprinted here with permission.