TIMELESS MERIDIAN
Kate Cherry
66 , Meridian Executive Director , Meridian Museum of Art
Cherry ’ s nominator : “ Having served with Kate on the Meridian Council for the Arts , I have first-hand knowledge of her motivation to serve as a positive leader in the arts community . She thinks of ways for groups to work together , and not against one another . Kate offers her sensible , level-headedness experience to any project she undertakes .”
Professional affiliations : American Alliance of Museums . Civic , social and / or church affiliations : Meridian Council for the Arts Board of Directors ; Community Arts Team for Any Given Child ; Scooba Presbyterian Church ; secretary for East Mississippi Community College Alumni Association ( previously served as president ) Origins of spirit of altruism : My mother was very community minded . She encouraged me to be active and because of her membership in the Home Extension Club , she wanted me to participate in the 4-H Club . I was very active in 4-H . The program ’ s ideal is simple : Help young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their communities . This is best exemplified in The 4‐H Pledge , which still resonates with me today : I pledge my head to clearer thinking , My heart to greater loyalty , My hands to larger service , and my health to better living , for my club , my community , my country , and my world . Importance of giving back to the community : If one is blessed , one should help another to be blessed . Share an aspect of a volunteer experience that you ’ ve really enjoyed . Being a volunteer and eventually employee of Meridian Museum of Art has given me a purpose in my middle and senior years . I ’ ve really enjoyed helping adults and youths be inspired through the visual arts . Community ’ s greatest assets : It ’ s people . I think the strength of any community is the residents who live there . They are the ones who work , who volunteer , who keep businesses thriving , contribute to its culture and sustain its religious foundation . Motto or favorite quote : Be kind . The essence of a well loved and lived life is through carrying out works of kindness .
Kate Cherry and her husband Terry have been married 48 years .
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