Whiz Kid of the Week: Katie Sue Martin-Williams

Each week, Athens Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.

Name: Katie Sue Martin-Williams

Age: 8

Grade: 2nd

School: Chase Street Elementary School

Accomplishments: Katie Sue Martin-Williams recently spent some time completing a music theory test in conjunction with an online theory course she is taking through UGA's Community Music School. While this may not be a typical Saturday morning activity for an eight year old, Katie Sue is part of a musical family that values the arts. Mom Jean Martin-Williams plays horn and is a Music Professor at UGA, dad Moffat Willams plays trumpet, brother Grier is a cellist and Katie Sue's grandfather is an organist and pianist. Although Katie Sue is a violinist and has been studying this stringed instrument for four years, she is also interested in trying the flute.

Katie Sue's interests aren't all musical. A gymnast for the past three years, she trains at . She loves art, especially working with clay and drawing. Two of Katie Sue's favorite authors are Beverly Cleary and Cynthia Rylant.

One of her favorite things to do is spent time fishing with her Dad.

"My Dad taught me to fish a while ago and then I got a new big fishing rod. We're going to go fishing at Sandy Creek and we're having a competition: who can catch the biggest fish, the first fish and the most fish!"

When Katie Sue has free time, she plays with her five year old brother Grier and commented, "We play better than most siblings." She also spends time with the family's three dogs and would like to be a veterinarian when she is older.

Jean Martin-Williams is on the faculty at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, North Carolina that will celebrate their 75th season this summer. Every summer the Martin-Williams children spend seven weeks at the esteemed music center. Katie Sue loves this summer tradition and told me, "I have a lot of friends in the mountains."

Key to Awesomeness: Athens, Georgia is a perfect spot for Katie Sue to grow up. Music and the arts are nurtured here in our town's vibrant culture. Given this family's devotion to the musical arts, you can be assured that Katie Sue will continue her musical training whether it's on violin, flute or another instrument!

Parents, neighbors, teachers, friends, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, coaches: We want to hear about amazing children and teens in Athens and to select one each week as the Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to rebecca.mccarthy@patch.com 

 Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful? Please include a 150-word description)

Please remember: This is not a competition. This is just a nice way to highlight young people in Athens - and especially those who inspire. Athens Patch will try and feature as many students as possible.