In a small community like ours, it’s not unusual for volunteers to wear a lot of hats. Rachel Oracki, however, might just hold the record. As a mother, businesswoman, vice president of the park district board, and, most notably, a driving force behind the Byron Boosters Association, Rachel has woven herself into the very fabric of the community. And in her role with the Boosters, she’s doing what she does best—boosting not only Byron’s student programs but also its sense of togetherness.

Rachel’s roots run deep in Byron. Although she officially moved to our community in sixth grade, she spent many summers in Byron with her stepfather and mother, developing a strong connection to the community. “Byron’s always been a big part of my life,” Rachel says. “I’ve always volunteered in some way, whether it was student council in junior high or Key Club in high school.” After leaving for college at the University of Kansas, Rachel returned to Byron with her husband, another Byron graduate. Together, they’re raising two sons who are fully immersed in Byron life, both active in the town’s sports programs.

But Rachel’s connection to the community extends well beyond her family. For the past four or five years, she’s played a pivotal role in the Byron Boosters Association, a nonprofit organization that supports not just athletics, but all school activities. “We fundraise and support everything from the Key Club to the math team, speech, swimming, football, basketball—you name it,” Rachel explains. “Some of these clubs don’t have a huge financial need, but we help wherever we can.”

It’s that “equal opportunity boosting” that sets the Byron Boosters apart. The organization is now approaching its tenth anniversary, and its reach continues to grow. “We’ve contributed anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000 annually,” Rachel says, listing contributions such as funding meals for the speech team at state competitions or providing new touchpads for the swim team. The biggest current project is the installation of new scoreboards at the high school gym, a project that carries a $150,000 price tag. “It’s a big one,” Rachel admits. “But we’re in an agreement with the school to pay it off over the next five years—hopefully sooner if we can.”

Fundraising for such large-scale projects requires a deep network of support, and in a town the size of ours, that means calling on local businesses— repeatedly. “Our businesses are huge donors,” Rachel says, citing banks and restaurants as particularly strong supporters. “It’s almost like an oldfashioned barn raising,” I joke, to which she responds, “We all come together to get it done.”

But the Boosters have found creative ways to ensure that businesses get something in return for their contributions. “We put together color booklets and digital ads for each sports season, with team photos and ads from local businesses,” Rachel explains. “It’s a way to give them some exposure while also raising funds for the kids.”

Of course, it’s not all about fundraising. The Boosters also bring the community together with two major annual events: a golf outing in June and a “Pot of Gold” drawdown event in March. “They’re a lot of fun and bring in most of our funding,” Rachel says. And while the golf outing sounds like a great time, it’s clear that Rachel’s work with the Boosters is more than just fun and games—it’s a labor of love.

“I love being in a small town where everyone looks out for each other,” Rachel reflects. “In bigger towns, it’s easy to get lost, but here, there’s a real sense of community.” She speaks fondly of her sons and their friends, recalling how they travel in packs, often descending on her home for spontaneous gatherings. “It’s not unusual for me to have ten boys at my house at any given time,” she laughs. “But I love that they can run around town, support the local businesses, and grow up in this special community.”

Rachel’s work with the Boosters is a testament to her belief in the power of community. “It’s a blessing and a curse that everyone knows everyone’s business,” she says with a grin. “But honestly, I wouldn’t raise my kids anywhere else.” As Byron’s businesses and families continue to rally around their schools, it’s clear that the Boosters—and Rachel—are ensuring a bright future for our community’s students.