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Today's most e-mailed
Prior days' news: By date | Search This week's print issue Back issues: By date | Search April 18, 2007Erin PetersonEven classmates who barely knew Erin Peterson, 18, could recognize her loud laugh and infectious grin. “She would always put a smile on your face,” says a high-school friend, Rachel Dall. “Even if you were having the worst day, one smile and a hello would make you feel so much better.” Ms. Peterson, from Centreville, Va., was a freshman at Virginia Tech. She and another victim of the shooting, Reema Samaha, graduated in 2006 from Westfield High School, in Chantilly, Va., the same high school that the gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, had graduated from three years earlier.  Facebook.com At Westfield High, Ms. Peterson was captain of the girls’ basketball team and was well known for her passion for basketball, her outgoing kindness, and her dedication to her family and faith. She began every game with a prayer, her teammates say, and taught her players to hold their heads high. One former teammate recalls how Ms. Peterson made her feel welcome when she transferred to Westfield High and didn’t know anyone. “She was one of the strongest people I have ever met in my life. She was always ready to support you,” says the former teammate, Veronica Sofia Bonilla, a Virginia Tech freshman who attended high school with Ms. Peterson. The two friends moved into Virginia Tech residence halls together in August, on Ms. Peterson’s 18th birthday. A hard-working student, Ms. Peterson did not have a declared major but was interested in political science and international relations, her friends say. She had recently been accepted into an honors fraternity at Virginia Tech, Phi Sigma Pi. —Paula Wasley Posted on Wednesday April 18, 2007 | Permalink |Comments |
Erin was a beautiful person inside and out. She always put others before herself. She was always enthusiastic and happy. I have never seen her sad or mad. She always wanted to make everyone feel welcomed and wanted everyone to have a good time. I miss her so much, it’s not the same without her…
— Narges Najmyar Apr 19, 05:11 PM #
I didn’t know Erin Peterson, but my heart sank hearing about the tragedy. My heart goes out to the ones who have lost their lives, and to their friends and family.I give my deepest condolences to all the victims in this tragedy. R.I.P Erin Peterson, and to all the lives tragically taken, R.I.P. This hit close to home and I will forever keep you all in my hearts and prayers.
— Kia Bryant Apr 19, 07:20 PM #
I didn’t know her,but from all these things said about her i can tell that she was one of god’s angels sent from up above to help us all-she would truly be missed my hearts and prayers goes out to you all!!!!
— Monique WC Apr 19, 09:04 PM #
I didn’t know Erin personally, but only as a former church member. She’ll be missed by many and forever loved. We should live in such a way that we’ll be acceptable to the King and one day see Erin in heaven. My deepest sympathy to the family.
— Deb Apr 24, 07:26 AM #
I never knew erin but just lookin at her pictures and lookin at her myspace,i can tell she was a good person..Some how some way i feel connected to her,we both have the same middle name..but i just wish i coulda gotten to know her and i wish she had a little more time on earth.you will be missed erin, by the people who knew you and the people who dident.
— lachelle anderson Apr 25, 10:51 AM #