WASHINGTOn, D.C.(Press Release) – On Friday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated Zach and Katie Peterson of Aberdeen for being selected as South Dakota’s 2023 Angels in Adoption honorees.

“Adoption is a beautiful and selfless decision,” said Johnson. “The Peterson family’s story is no exception. I’m proud to recognize them as the 2023 Angels in Adoption honorees.”

Zach and Katie Peterson built their beautiful family on the foundations of faith, love, and a whole lot of humor. They married in 2006 and their family of two grew in both expected and unexpected ways in the years to follow.

They lovingly adopted their first son in 2008. Soon after, their family of three nearly doubled in size when they adopted their twin daughters in 2010. After complications with a pregnancy that resulted in the heartbreaking loss of their unborn daughter in 2012, this family felt blessed when Katie gave birth to a healthy baby girl two years later. In the next two years, the Peterson family adopted one more son and had another biological daughter.

Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) selects individuals, families or organizations across the nation who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Each family’s tireless dedication to child welfare stands out in their community but earns them recognition as an extraordinary family deserving of this award.