Longtime local leader named Normal Citizen of the Year

Posted on July 18, 2024
Longtime Normal resident Sonja Reece was named the Citizen of the Year at a recent ceremony at Heartland Community College. (Photo courtesy: Sonja Reece/Facebook)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – The Town’s 2024 Citizen of the Year is a former Normal Town Council member.

Sonja Reece joined the Normal government in 1991 as a council member on the Normal Town Council.

Reece served in that position for 24 years while serving the healthcare system professionally for 40 years.

“Sonja’s involvement in the community is almost too numerous to mention. It’s easiest to simply say ‘our community has benefited from her leadership for decades,’ Normal Mayor Chris Koos said. ” “She respects different perspectives and believes in the power of working together. Her ability to advocate for our community has greatly contributed to our success.”

Reece also serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Illinois and the United Way of McLean County.

Normal Mayor Koos surprised Reece with the top honors at the Town’s annual appreciation reception Tuesday evening at Heartland Community College.

Reece is also the founder and president of Reece Consulting Services, where she teaches residents how to organize critical records for life-changing events.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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