The following is this week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honoree by Jodie Ingram
“It only takes one person to mobilize a community and inspire change. Even if you don’t feel like you have it in you, it’s in you. You have to believe in yourself. People will see your vision and passion and follow you.” – Teyonah Parris
Sunshine Reaktenwalt is recognized for her involvement in the community. Through her children’s participation, Sunshine has immersed herself into the world of wrestling. She is the one who organizes the wrestlers with the tournaments, keeps track of tournament payments, and runs the concession for each home meet. Along with running the concession at the meets, she also gets the supplies for the concession and makes the food! Another contribution she makes to the program is making the “pin pins”. When a wrestler gets a pin on the mat, they get a safety pin with yarn that they can put on their bags to show off their hard work. The children and their families appreciate all the time and energy Sunshine has poured into the program!!
Sunshine and her husband have 5 children and one grandchild. They are a military family and have lived in many places but are happy to call Vermilion County home. Sunshine grew up in California, so she did confess that the cold winters are not one of her favorite things about living here! She does, however, love the small-town community. With all the moving they have done, it is great to settle in a town where everyone knows your name. There is an amazing sense of community and Sunshine loves that everyone looks out for one another. She also loves the Bismark school district. She couldn’t say enough good things about the staff, coaches, and the families.
During our interview, I found myself in awe of Sunshine and her level of commitment. Being the mother of 5 children, it is bewildering how she finds the time to do all the things that she does. She then explained that you can’t expect a change in a child’s life unless you help make that change. Four out of her five children have been involved in wrestling, so that is where her interest lies. Sunshine dedication stems from wanting to help sustain the wrestling program and help enrich the lives of children. In order for the program and our children to be successful, we all have to do our part.
There is not a lot of spare time at this point in their lives, so when they do have a free moment, the family enjoys spending time at home together wrestling, gaming, and reading. Sunshine admits that the wrestling program is a lot of work, but watching the kids and their friends do their thing is very rewarding. Sunshine was both shocked and honored to receive this nomination. She said it is awesome to feel appreciated and noticed!
Thank you, Sunshine Reaktenwalt, for all that you do. I am sure there are times when you have felt that you didn’t have it in you, but you pushed yourself in order to enrich the lives of not only your children but others as well. You are an inspiration to those around you and Vermilion County is grateful that you chose us to be your home!
If you have someone you would like to share,
visit https://forms.gle/deCPiQ1cxn1pDLhZ9
or contact Ashton Greer, City of Danville agreer@cityofdanville.org or
Nicole Van Hyfte, Vermilion Advantage nvanhyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.
