Wee She in every issue
Story by Ashley Elvington • Collin M Smith Photography
MUNN
CATHERINE BETHEA MUNN, known by family and friends
from hard work and persistence.” Cate also plays softball,
summer art camp. She loves the colors, of course, but it
as simply Cate, may be small, but her compa ssion knows
takes tumble classes, and is learning how to play the piano.
also serves as a reminder of the ocean, which makes Cate
no bounds. Cate is a child who not only loves, but loves
Her greatest passion of all, however, is art.
happy. In addition to painting, she also enjoys writing sto-
unconditionally. Mom Allison explains, “She is one of the
According to Allison, she and her husband Johnathan
ries and poems. “She has a journal where she keeps her
sweetest and most kindhearted children I know. She loves
noticed Cate had a special eye for art at age 2. “She was
writings and some sketches to go along with her thoughts.”
everyone, and she is continually looking for ways to help
decorating a gingerbread house with her Nana and was
While art is a huge part of Cate’s life, it is her dream
or to share with others. Cate is inspired by seemingly nor-
very carefully placing each piece of candy on the icing with
to grow up and attend her parents’ alma mater, Clemson
mal people who accomplished great things in their lives by
great patience. This amazed us that at such a young age,
University, in pursuit of a degree in Animal and Veterinary
helping others. She is especially fond of Harriet Tubman’s
she was so focused on the decorations rather than eating
Sciences. “She has always loved animals and she loves na-
story. Harriet helped so many slaves gain their freedom
all of the candy.” They believe Cate inherited her passion
ture. Cate is full of ambition, goals, and hope.” No matter
and made a big difference in the world.” Wearing her emo-
from her Nana, who always helped her with projects. “Her
what path Cate is meant to travel, she will always have the
tions on her sleeve, Cate isn’t shy about expressing her en-
Nana helped her complete a canvas painting of a rain-
support system of her family. “I encourage her to remain
thusiasm and joy for life. “
bow at age 5 that hangs in her room today. Cate has also
true to herself and to live life to the fullest. I want her to
The oldest of three children, Cate is celebrating turn-
participated in summer art camps that have produced
always keep a heart for helping others, and I want her to
ing “the big 1-0” this month. According to Allison, she is an
canvas paintings, clay models, a tile mosaic, and wind
experience many different things. I want her to continue
outstanding big sister to Sarah, who is 7, and Charlie, who
chimes that she displays in her room.”
to value hard work and to remain true to her faith. I try to
is 1. When she isn’t taking care of Sarah and Charlie, Cate
Cate is currently a member of the Art Club at her school,
encourage her daily to continue to share the love in her
is participating in an endless list of activities. This includes
Briggs Elementary, and her favorite subject to paint is a
great big heart with others. Cate has taught me everything
riding her scooter and playing sports. “She recently played
rainbow. “She loves the beautiful colors and that the rain-
I know and love about being a mom. She has challenged
church league basketball and was the only girl on the team.
bow symbolizes hope and happiness.” She loves express-
me to become a better version of myself every step of the
She went from struggling to fit in, to having the coaches
ing her feelings through colors, and she admires other art-
way, and she continually teaches me to remain humble and
and boys designing plays to help her score a basket. It was
ists for their creativity and freedom of expression. Out of
to give more in order to receive more. As she grows older,
a tremendous experience for Cate because it helped to
all of the work she’s completed so far, her favorite piece is
I hope she maintains her joy, holds tight to her passion, and
increase her confidence and to affirm that rewards come
a canvas painting of a starfish that she completed during
that she continues to gain wisdom and maturity.”
68
APRIL 2016
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