Coronado High School senior sets high goals in pursuit of photography dream

Karlye Kost views the world differently than most people. She sees it through her Canon Rebel XSi.

Kost's passion for photography has gained her notice. She has won numerous awards at events such as the Clark County School District Photography Contest and Boulder City Art Festival. She was a runner-up in the Congressional Art Competition, in which students from throughout the United States send their pieces to their state representatives, and one person's photograph is chosen to be displayed in the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

"Karlye's photography is whimsical and awe-inspiring," says Samantha Wright, a friend of Kost's. "She is so successful at capturing raw emotion and wonder in her photography, and that kind of talent is so hard to find in our demographic today."

This photojournalist-hopeful credits her eighth-grade drawing teacher with encouraging her interest in the craft.

"I really wanted to attend (Las Vegas Academy) for high school in order to aspire in drawing, but I was rejected both times I applied," Kost says. "So my eighth-grade art teacher suggested I attend Coronado High School and attempt their great photography program."

Kost, now a senior at Coronado, has taken photography all four years of high school and became an active member of the National Arts Honor Society. She says former Coronado photography teacher Chrissy Pavesich bolstered her enthusiasm and helped her learn to capture a moment in time on film. All the while her appreciation for the art form grew.

"If I were to choose one photographer that I admire, it'd be Ansel Adams," Kost says. "I love that we view his photography as simplistic now, but in his life, his work was revolutionary."

Kost plans to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., majoring in photojournalism. Alumni of RIT, such as Anthony Suau and Robert F. Bukay, have won multiple Pulitzer Prizes in photojournalism, an award Kost says she hopes to attain one day.

Friend Wright says she believes Kost can make her dreams come true.

"If there is anyone with the extraordinary drive to reach their highest goals, it is Karlye," Wright says.

Kost recently visited the University of Nevada, Reno with her mother, Penni Kost, who backs her daughter's pursuits.

"When we met with the head photography professor at UNR, he asked me if I was supportive of my daughter pursuing a career in the arts," Penni Kost says. "He said most parents were not happy that their children were set on striving for success in the arts. The hard part is figuring out where you can apply your skills to make a living."

Karlye Kost has given her future much thought. She says she's determined to be successful in the arts, including being a photographer for National Geographic and snagging a Pulitzer Prize or two.

Her mom says she will stand beside her as Karlye pursues her dream.

"I believe that if your child has a passion for any field, that they should go for it," Penni Kost says. "You cannot force your children into anything, or they will not succeed."

And Penni Kost believes her daughter has talent. "She has an eye. She takes her time and knows the best angles to capture a great photograph."

Photography is not the only thing that interests Karlye Kost. She also does community service for Habitat for Humanity, participates in the Gay-Straight Alliance, runs track and field, and manages to uphold a 4.3 grade-point average.

All the while Kost continues to be an avid part of the photography program at Coronado, spending as much time there as she does at home.

"I rather enjoy observing the world through my camera lens," she says.