Sophia Madsen is an SILG scholarship recipient, receiving a 2020-2021 High School Scholarship. A graduate of La Grande High School, Sophia is originally from La Grande and would like to thank her parents, Mark and JoAnna Madsen, for always supporting and encouraging her to do her very best. Sophia would also like to thank Lezlie Wright and Julie Carpenter for assisting her so much on her preparation for life and college after high school.

Sophia’s educational plans include attending Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, in the fall (hopefully on campus and not online), where she will be working towards earning a major in Communication Disorders and a minor in Family Life. After completing her first year of college, Sophia will go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints, and then return to BYU to complete her education.

Asked why this career? Sophia says “I hope to become a Speech Pathologist, specifically with children. I’m excited to pursue this career! I’ve always loved working and spending time with children. I also experienced going to “speech class” when I was younger so I know how much positivity it can add to ones life.”

This summer Sophia will be working at the C&M Country Store in Island City to save as much money as she can to assist in her future plans for college and a mission.

And what has Sophia learned about herself in recent months?  “I have learned that I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, getting out in nature, and staying busy.”

In closing Sophia says that she “would like to thank the Soroptimist International of La Grande club once more for this amazing honor and opportunity.”