Meet Peyton Fraser, a bright, energetic, and community-minded 16-year-old making a meaningful impact in her neighborhood and community. Peyton is a sophomore at St. Charles North High School and has lived in Thornwood since she was five. Her family—parents Paul and Nicole, older brother Austin (18), and younger brother Brayden (12)—moved here from Bartlett over 11 years ago. They were drawn to Thornwood’s spacious backyards, parks, pool, and welcoming community. It’s a place that feels like home in every way.

At school, Peyton is a proud member of both the girls’ basketball and soccer programs. She’s also part of the Blue Fan Group, a student organization that promotes and supports other teams and clubs, cheering her peers on both on and off the field.

Outside of school, Peyton finds time to babysit for local families and volunteer with Big Hearts of Fox Valley—a cause close to her family’s heart. Her mom, Nicole, has served on the Executive Committee and previously acted as the Thornwood neighborhood liaison for Big Hearts. Peyton has grown up helping with holiday toy donations, sorting gifts for D303 students in need, and welcoming families at drop-off events. Volunteering together is a Fraser family tradition. Peyton still finds time to give back, whether it's volunteering at Corron Elementary’s Fall Fest, helping in the concession stand, or reminiscing about winning the chocolate raffle basket with her brothers.

Peyton’s love of reading is unmatched. She’s already read 60 books this year and proudly owns 264 titles! A regular at the book aisles of Target, Peyton dreams of becoming a publisher someday, combining her love of literature with her desire to bring new stories into the world.

The Fraser family’s favorite Tuesday tradition is pizza night at Riverside, where they often go with friends from the neighborhood. Peyton also enjoys trips to Culver’s and Target with friends and takes full advantage of Thornwood’s walking paths for long strolls and good conversations.

At home, the family shares their space with Spike, a bearded dragon they adopted from another Thornwood family four years ago. 

Through her kindness, leadership, and love for community, Peyton Fraser is truly making an excellent difference in Thornwood.