In our milestone 10th episode, we bring you the extraordinary journey of Dr. Reka Barton, a beloved contestant on Wheel of Fortune who has graced the iconic wheel not once, but twice. Hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, and now residing in San Diego, Dr. Barton is not only an educator but a beacon of inspiration.
Starting her career teaching K-5th graders, Dr. Barton has transitioned to instructing college courses, specializing in literacy methods. Her passion for learning and questioning led her to pursue a Ph.D., viewing it as a realm to continue exploring the inquiries that fueled her curiosity. Driven by a love for word games cultivated during childhood visits to her grandmother's house, she found herself drawn to Wheel of Fortune.
Dr. Barton's brother, her source of encouragement for the Wheel of Fortune, tragically passed away. She pressed on with her Wheel of Fortune journey, dedicating her appearance on the show to his memory. The second time around, she approached the game with a spirited determination, contrasting the initial experience where she secured the minimum $1,000.
As the aired episodes unfolded, Dr. Barton shared the joy with her family and grandmother back home. In a serendipitous turn, she won a prize puzzle that granted her a Cruise – a fitting honeymoon for her marriage in 2023. The second game marked a special moment as the audience returned, breaking free from the constraints of quarantine.
Between her first and second appearances, Dr. Barton achieved significant milestones – earning her Ph.D., getting engaged, and making Wheel of Fortune history by being the first contestant with "Dr" on her name tag. Her message to aspiring contestants is simple yet powerful: Just do it and go for it.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable story of Dr. Reka Barton, an embodiment of resilience, achievement, and the enduring spirit of Wheel of Fortune.
