Miller hopes to bring arts classes to schools

Catie Miller never had to go to art class in elementary school.

It came to her.

Without a room, the school’s only art teacher wheeled a cart full of art supplies from class to class.

If elected Homecoming queen Saturday, Miller hopes to use the position to put a halt on the neglect of art in schools.

“I want to show why art is important, why it does matter,” Miller said.

Her proposed project, titled Project Catie, would bring different genres of arts together into local schools that are struggling to offer chorus, art and drama classes due to budget cuts.

“I’m just really passionate with working with children, and I know my project can really help them,” Miller said.

She said the cost of the project would ideally be free or low in cost. But the projects would be high in commitment.

“We won’t need many materials, but we will need a lot of participation for Project Catie to work,” Miller said.

Miller said Project Catie is relevant to all parties involved, helping the community, schools and even volunteers improve.

“I want to do this project because I’m going to be a teacher, and these will be the things I will be working with in the future,” Miller said.

A child development and family studies major from Goldsboro, Miller belongs to Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She is also a member of the UNC Walk-Ons, an a cappella group.

She said her involvement with the group and her passion for singing has inspired her to help protect and promote the arts by encouraging schools continue to offer visual and performing arts programs.

Miller’s friends and sorority sisters have been her primary supporters during her campaign, helping especially with the required 250 petition signatures needed to run for Homecoming queen.

Together, Miller said she and her friends are trying to seize the opportunity to support the University in any way they can possibly accomplish.

“Doing this project is the ultimate way to give back to Carolina, which has given me so much,” she said.