James G. Sonefeld
Class of 1983Alumni Recognition Award, 2001
When Jim Sonefeld graduated from Naperville Central in 1983, he headed off to the University of South Carolina like any freshman hoping to pursue his dreams. Little did he know that one of his passions, playing the drums, would provide him with the opportunity of a lifetime. It was there in South Carolina where Jim met several friends with a common interest, and together they formed one of today’s most successful musical groups known as "Hootie and the Blowfish".
The band "Hootie and the Blowfish", of which Jim has been a member since its inception, has been a huge success worldwide. In 1994-1995, it was recognized by MTV as the "Best New Artist in Video". In 1995 the group won a Grammy award as the "Best New Artist/Best Performance by a Pop Group", and in 1996 the group was awarded the ASCAP "Songwriter of the Year". Since the group began publishing its music, it has sold 24 million records worldwide.
While working with the band has been Jim’s primary occupation since graduating from college in 1989, he has also found time to help those in need. In fact, his work with charity organizations reflects his desire to give something back to the community he lives in. Currently Jim is the President of the "Animal Mission of the Midlands", which is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned pets in South Carolina. He also is a committee member of the "South Carolina Year of the Child" campaign.
His work with different charities has not gone unnoticed. Jim has been the recipient of the Angel Award, an award given to one of the Top 10 charities in South Carolina. This is quite an accomplishment given over 4000 charities were reviewed for this honor. He has also received a "Friends of the Game" award. This was given to Jim for his contributions to an organization that gives back to the game of golf through charity.
It is no surprise that Jim has used sports as part of his means to give back to his community. When at NCHS, Jim earned three varsity letters as a soccer player. In fact, playing soccer and graduating were his greatest memories when he was at school.
Jim is married and has one daughter. He and his immediate family reside in Charleston, South Carolina.
MR. SONEFELD'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: If you work hard and believe in yourself, there is nothing in this world you can’t accomplish! No matter how many people there are that think you can’t, you can do it.
