Students and staff at Two Hills School had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Colonel Joshua Kutryk, a Canadian astronaut and accomplished test pilot, during his recent visit on February 6, 2025. Col Kutryk, a proud alumnus of the school, returned to inspire the next generation by sharing his incredible journey from small-town Alberta to the stars.
Leading up to the visit, students created space-themed artwork to welcome Col Kutryk and participated in various space-related activities to build excitement for the event. Their enthusiasm and creativity set the stage for an engaging and memorable experience.
Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Col Kutryk attended school in Fort Saskatchewan, Elk Point, and Beauvallon before moving to the Two Hills area as a teenager. He attended Two Hills High School from grades 9 to 12 and graduated as valedictorian in 2000. During his time at THHS, he was an active member of the 4-H Beef Club in Myrnam, played hockey in Mannville, and earned his pilot's license at 17 through the air cadet program in Mundare.
After high school, he attended the Royal Military College of Canada, earning a mechanical engineering degree in 2004. He went on to become an experimental test pilot with over 4,000 flight hours across 40 different aircraft types. His distinguished career in the Royal Canadian Air Force included serving as a CF-18 fighter pilot and participating in NATO, UN, and NORAD missions in Libya and Afghanistan.
In 2017, Col Kutryk was selected as an astronaut candidate by the Canadian Space Agency. He completed training and officially became an astronaut in 2020. Currently, he is assigned to Starliner-1, a Commercial Crew mission to the International Space Station, where he will spend six months conducting scientific research and supporting mission operations.
During his visit, students had the chance to ask Col Kutryk questions in a session that was also live-streamed for other schools and community members to watch. His insights and experiences captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression on the students and staff alike.
For Avery, a Grade 5 student, the experience was truly eye-opening. “I found the presentation very inspiring. I learned a lot of new things about space and he changed my perspective and understanding of astronauts and their role in Canada. I like that all of the classes asked him questions, so that we were able to learn even more!”
Assistant Principal Kara Chalke saw firsthand how meaningful the visit was for students. “Col Joshua Kutryk's visit ignited a spark in our students. To see someone who grew up in the same community, walked the same hallways, and learned in the same classrooms achieve something so extraordinary makes the impossible seem possible. It's a powerful reminder that with dedication and perseverance, they too can reach for the stars. It has been two weeks since his visit and our students are still talking about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that they had of being able to interact with a real-life astronaut. Two Hills School is so excited to continue to follow Col Kutryk's journey as he prepares to fly to the International Space Station!”
As Col. Kutryk prepares for his first spaceflight, the entire St. Paul Education community will be cheering him on with excitement and pride!
