The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet Your Neighbor

by Jacob Irish, Quill Reporter

Sophie Peterson was born in Galesburg, Illinois on October 14, 1994. From Galesburg, Sophie was taken home to Oquawka.

Sophie's parents are Mike and Chris Peterson of Oquawka. Mike, the son of Bob & Sharon Rady and Algie & Mary Peterson, works at Riley Industrial Paints in Burlington, IA. Chris is the daughter of Stella Zajakala, and currently works for the Oquawka Village Hall as well as Fisher's Food Center in Oquawka.

Sophie has one brother, Andrew Peterson. Andrew is 17 years old and currently attends Notre Dame High School in Burlington, IA.

Sophie began her education at the Immaculate Conception School in Monmouth, IL. In 2009, Sophie transferred to Notre Dame High School to finish her pre-collegiate education. While in high school, Sophie participated in choir, band, volleyball, cheerleading, and speech team.

Following her graduation from Notre Dame High School in 2013, Sophie began studying Music Therapy at Western Illinois University in MaComb, IL. Music has always been a huge part of her life, beginning to play the piano at the age of six. Since then, Sophie has also become fluent with guitar, French horn, and aural skills. When she isn't using her skills to develop therapeutic exercises, Sophie sings with University Singers and is also a former member of the WIU Marching Band.

Sophie currently works at Family Outreach Community Center in Stronghurst as a summer AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America. While in high school, Sophie worked at Country Fun, Twist & Shout, and Dollar General.

In her free time, Sophie enjoys being active at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center, playing music, Frisbee golfing, and watching Netflix.

The Peterson's enjoy two annual traditions as a family. Sophie and her family enjoy visiting the Illinois State Fair each year where she used to show her chickens and photography for 4-H. The Peterson Family also enjoys their yearly camping trips.

In the future, Sophie plans to become a music therapist at a hospital and eventually start her own private practice.

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

-Edith Wharton