Powerline Press
NEWSLETTER
A Supplement of Oklahoma Living Published by Lake Region Electric Cooperative for its members.
December July 2026 2019
LREC VOLUNTEERS
SUPPORT SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES
Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives have a long-standing tradition of supporting the Special Olympics of Oklahoma Summer Games, and Lake Region Electric Cooperative is proud to be part of that tradition. This year, 13 LREC volunteers joined cooperative employees from across the state in Stillwater to help make the 2026 Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games a success. Representing Lake Region this year were Jason Youngblood, Glen Clark, Natalie Clark, JuaNita Keener, Samantha Cunningham, Hurley Cunningham, Hutson Cunningham, Larry Setters, Melody Setters, Hershel Vann, Candice Vann, Sam Jackson, and Gloria Shankle. More than 7,000 athletes and Unified partners participated in the event, showcasing determination, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Volunteers assisted in a variety of ways throughout the games, including working track events, helping with athlete staging, distributing awards, cheering on competitors, and providing encouragement to athletes and their families. Whether they were seasoned volunteers or attending for the first time, each person played an important role in creating a positive experience for everyone involved.
Volunteer Reflections: “As a first-time volunteer I didn’t know what to expect. I was told that it would be a humbling and rewarding experience; that prediction was spot on. Although each of these athletes have their own unique challenges, they are there to compete and to have fun. So, when hearing the spectators and volunteers scream and cheer, not only for the first-place athletes, but for all the athletes just as enthusiastically really struck a chord with me.” - Larry Setters, Telecom System Integration Manager
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Pictured from left to right are Candice and Hershel Vann, Sam Jackson, Jason Youngblood, Gloria Shankle, Larry and Melody Setters, JuaNita Keener, Glen and Natalie Clark.
“I enjoyed volunteering and watching all the events. Everyone was so kind, and I hope I get to come back every year!” - Hurley Cunningham, granddaughter of JuaNita Keener “Volunteering at the Special Olympics impacted me in so many different ways. Not only was it a heartwarming, humbling experience to watch these athletes demonstrate sportsmanship, courage, and pure joy for life, but I was also thankful and blessed to spend a few days helping. It was an absolutely incredible experience.” - Sam Jackson, Meter Tech
Thank you to all of the LREC employees, family members, and cooperative volunteers who generously gave their time to support this year’s games. Your commitment embodies the cooperative spirit of neighbors helping neighbors and demonstrates the positive impact we can make when we work together.
Cooperative Principle #7 Concern for Community