Kat Pillman – Greece Athena

When Kat Pillman smiles, it's hard not to take notice. The same thing goes with her music. And her art. She's a standout student at Greece Athena High School and she's in this week's scholastic arts spotlight.

Kat Pillman isn't just a musician, she's a painter. The piece of art next to her is one of her own. As important to her, as her music.

"I plan on going to school for art and graphic design," says Kat.

But for now---music most definitely rules. Kat plays four instruments--- cello, euphonium, trombone, and violin.

"I love Celtic music, really fun and easy to play fiddle tunes on the violin so that's why I love the violin."

And she's talented. Kat is among a select group of students from throughout the northeast, accepted into the All-Eastern Orchestra. And oh yeah----she's also writing a musical, to be performed this spring at Greece Athena.

"Music is really strong at Athena, and we have a lot of really great leaders in our theater program."

"I think that it's a really big stepping stone toward independence to take on a musical like this for your own, write, make the music, direct and everything about it."

"To see her do it all at the highest levels is kind of her legacy of who she is and what she's accomplished and not only musically, but art-wise, and also academically.  She's the epitome of what this award is all about," says Gary Samulski Director of Bands at Greece Athena

"My dream career would probably be an animator for sure.  It's where I could write the script with my own music for them, that would be really cool," says Kat.

Although Kat will study fine art and graphic design, she's made sure each of the colleges she's applied to have music programs. She's got drive, passion, and enough optimism to create great music, every day.