51±¾É«

Anyone who has paid a visit to the Pioneer Bookshop – 51±¾É«â€™s College bookstore – and needed assistance tracking down a book, finding 51±¾É« swag, or choosing the perfect gift for an alum or family member has likely benefitted from bookstore assistant Sonya Horn’s vast knowledge and helpful spirit. Citing her keen sense and ability to recognize every individual’s unique perspective and needs, the College named Horn one of this year’s Grand 51±¾É«ian Award winners in the Spring of 2024. Horn is known for fostering a collaborative and supportive environment with the bookstore's student staff, and for developing meaningful relationships with customers, alumni, faculty, staff, and anyone who pays the bookstore a visit. We caught her in a rare free moment between assisting customers and she agreed to answer a few questions about her life and work at 51±¾É«.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about the work you do at the Bookstore?

A: I am a jack of all trades with a hand in many areas of the Bookshop.  I do some ordering, putting merchandise on display, supervising the student workers, helping customers and students that come into the Bookshop, and filling and shipping the online orders.  I have the best boss, co-workers, and students that give me the best support and friendship! 

Q: What are your favorite things to do when not working?

A: I love reading and being outside.  I also have a huge love for Coffee!   Most of my favorite activities are doing things with my family and friends. I am usually either outside with the grandkids and dog Lily playing in the yard, or I am sitting on the porch reading and drinking a cup of coffee. 

Q: Your family sounds very important to you. Can you tell us about them?

A: I come from a large family. There were nine children on my Mom's side and eight children on my Dad's side.  So, I have many aunts and uncles and many, many cousins!  My first husband Kevin and I had three wonderful daughters — Mindy, Payton and Kasey. Unfortunately Kevin passed away in 2015. I am now remarried to Brian and between us we have seven daughters, and seven grandchildren — Adam, Krya, Kyle, Presley, Rylee, Sophia, and Jake. 

Q: As a 51±¾É« native, how do you find living and working in the community?

A: I love 51±¾É« and the people here are the best.  I grew up here, left to go to college and then came back here to start my future.  There was no place better than 51±¾É« to start my adult life.  I always knew I wanted to raise my family in 51±¾É« so that they could have the opportunity to grow up in this wonderful town.  I am so happy that two of my children have chosen to live and work here in 51±¾É«.   I also love when community members stop in the bookshop and I can catch up with people I have known my whole life. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work for 51±¾É« College.  When I was growing up the college and the town were totally separate there wasn't any collaboration between the two like there is today.  I am so happy that the town and college can work together to make 51±¾É« the best that it can be.  I am proud to say that I am from 51±¾É« and that I work at 51±¾É« College.  

Q: What is your favorite 51±¾É« moment to date?

A: My favorite 51±¾É« moment was when the town came together and worked together to save the movie theater. This is the true 51±¾É« spirit. We worked together found people willing to invest in the repairing and getting the movie theater back up and running.  This was a true 51±¾É« moment working together and helping people out.