Sonja Nielsen
1968
Name in High School: Sonja Nielsen
Favorite High School Memories: What could have been more memorable than the energetic, stimulating discussions in Mr. Murray’s English class that often continued even after the bell rang as we made our way down to lunch in the cafeteria. We were still grappling with the intricacies of transcendentalism over those cups of mashed potatoes and gravy. Less commendably, in the archery segment of PE , I almost shot Miss Overton with one of my arrows, so I never got above a C after that.
Favorite Teachers: Mr. Murray sparked my love for literature and showed me what it takes to be an outstanding teacher. Discovering biology with Mrs. Chisholm temporarily made me consider going into medicine, but pithing frogs unnerved me, and I didn’t really care for blood. Finally there was the sweet, mild-mannered Mr. Olivier, the German teacher who, I’m sorry to say, many took advantage of. I believe he had a serious heart attack, and as an older person looking back, I wish I’d had the maturity to offer him some kindness while he was still with us.
Grade School: Hayhurst
Now…
2025
Spouse/Partner: Don Zwiers
Children: Gillian (51), Kirsten (50)
Grandchildren: Kiara (25), Teagan (22), Eva (15)
Occupation: I taught English for almost 30 years at private schools in Seattle (Lakeside and Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences). In my capacity as a teacher I traveled nearly every summer to Zambia (with high schoolers), where we established computer labs, built a library, and generally facilitated cultural exchanges.
Favorite Pastimes: I love reading, writing, hiking, traveling, gardening, being creative in various ways, and of course spending time with friends and family.
Highlights of My Life Since High School: It’s hard to beat the joy of having children, and adding grandchildren is simply icing on the cake. In addition I feel very privileged to have spent so much time getting to know Zambia and its people. I took my family there in 2018 and in 2025 I returned with my 15 year old granddaughter, which was wonderful. My daughter Gillian and I celebrated her 50th with a breathtaking trip to Morocco, which included a memorably uncomfortable ride on dromedaries. Finally,I’m so glad I chose teaching as a career, thanks in large part to Mr. Murray’s inspiring example.
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