Watching the movie Hidden Figures inspired Sophie Slack and she was thrilled to meet her hero, Katherine Johnson, in person at the unveiling of a statue honoring this famous mathematician on her 100th birthday.

This was a moment Sophie hasn’t forgotten.

Though Katherine has since passed away, ever since that time, Sophie has visited the statue when exciting things happen. Sophie’s Dad, Steve explains, “It’s where she goes to be inspired.” Pictured above, Sophie brought with her the trophy she received for participation from her robotics team to proudly showcase.

Sam met Sophie, the oldest of three siblings, via FaceTime, and enjoyed talking about her many interests. Sam came away inspired to try some new things! When Sam asked Sophie about her faith, he also found out that in addition to all her other awards and achievements, Sophie was the first person with Down syndrome to be confirmed as a member of her Presbyterian church! Read on to find out what Down syndrome means to Sophie, and where she’s like to go to college:

What’s your favorite subject at school? “Math.”

How did you get interested in robotics? “My friends invited me to an open house.”

What kinds of things do you do with the team? “A ball thrower. Holder for the battery. Helped with coding.”

What has robotics taught you? “It has taught me how to work with others and to believe in myself. “

Do you have any dreams for what you’d like to do someday with robotics? “I’d like to run my Sophie’s Salads, and work on robots that will help me water my garden.” (Sophie has her own garden that she plants, weeds, and waters and she would like to pickle and sell some of the things she grows at local Farmer’s Markets. She plans to call her business, Sophie’s Salads.)

In addition to robotics, what are some of your favorite activities? “Art. Oragami. Legos. Gardening. Painting and visiting.” (Sophie has been to the Met and the MoMA -- Museum of Modern Art in NYC--and she likes to go hiking with her twin 15-year-old brothers, Sawyer and Samuel. They make a game of identifying trees, and her Dad says Sophie always wins!)

Who is your favorite artist? (Gustav) “Klimt, ‘Woman in Gold.’”

What does Down syndrome mean to you? “It means I am unique.”

Tell us about your happiest moment. “Getting Bow (her cat). She’s a good girl. She’s 10.”

What are some of your dreams for the future? “Go to college. Going to nationals with my robotics team.” (They almost made it in 2022!)

Where do you want to go to college? “WVU.” (Sophie’s dad was one of the founders the “Country Roads Program” at WVU, which has both two- and four-year programs for people with special needs!)

We can’t wait to hear all about what’s next, Sophie!