Whiz Kid: The Singer and Dancer

If you met Kate Lawson, you just might think she’s just another kindergartner. But when you get to know her a little better, you'll soon learn that Kate is a talented and determined young lady. In addition to learning to read and write at Murwood Elementary, Kate also works hard to reach her goal of becoming a famous entertainer one day. 

Ask Kate who her favorite artist is and why: “It’s definitely Lady Gaga! Her songs are really creative, I really like them.”

As an aspiring entertainer, Kate comes with the full package. In addition to singing, she also has a passion for acting and dancing. She works with a voice coach, Tielle Baker, and studies ballet and tap at the Ace Dance Academy in Walnut Creek, according to mom, Kristina Lawson. Before California Theatre Arts in Walnut Creek closed, she took musical theater and ballet at their school and performed in several productions, including a version of The Nutcracker.

Kate gets to every show she can at the Lesher Center for the Arts and states that the Diablo Theatre Company's production of Annie this past season--starring her voice coach!--was the best production she's ever seen. 

Kate said she hopes to one day be able to perform onstage or sing in front of thousands.

“That would be something I would really enjoy,” said Kate. “I like being onstage, and I like showing everyone who I am."

In school, Kate enjoys both art and science, and recently entered the science fair with a project about air pressure and won a medal.

Also at her young age, Kate has discovered her love of learning, “I like to read chapter books a lot, especially Ivy and Bean [Annie Barrows].”

Kate’s kindergarten teacher, Margy Banfield really thoroughly enjoys her presence in the classroom.

“She is really creative, she likes art, reading, and is really good writer,” said Mrs. Banfield. “Every time I give her a little tip she just takes it and improves. She’s very observant, and she understands when I’m reading stories and she understands the inferences of the stories, very advanced for kindergarten. She’s really fun to teach.”

When I asked Kate where in the world she would like to travel, she responded simply, “Definitely China … I just really want to go to China.”