Liberal High School Cheer and Concessions Stands Receive Southern Pioneer H.U.G.S. Grants

The Southern Pioneer Electric Helping Us Give To Society (H.U.G.S.) team presented two Liberal High School groups with grants to assist in elevating their respective programs. The Liberal High School Cheer team and Liberal High School Concessions stands received a $2,000 grant each.

Liberal High School Cheer Team

The LHS Cheer team’s H.U.G.S. grant will be used to purchase new cheer mats for the team. Ashley Oropeza, head cheer coach, says the mat will help keep athletes safe when practicing.

“This project addresses a clear need for regulation-quality mats,” said Oropeza. “The mats will not only improve safety but also performance and growth for our team.

“When we are looking at applications for grants, we look to see if they fall into specific focus areas that are listed in the program guidelines,” said Ruby Terrazas, H.U.G.S. team member. “This one’s checked several of the boxes, and we’re proud to present this grant to the cheer team.”

 

Liberal High School Concessions Stand

The concession stand’s grant will fund a new popcorn machine and a pretzel warmer. Holly McCarter, LHS Concessions Stand Manager, says the new machines are vital to the concessions stand’s future success.

“The LHS Concession stands play an important role in our community,” said McCarter, “They provide a means for clubs and organizations to fundraise and enhance the overall experience at our events.”

“Purchasing these machines will be a great benefit to the clubs and organizations that utilize the concessions stands,” said Ruby Terrazas, H.U.G.S. team member. “H.U.G.S. is honored to play a role in helping such an important part of the Liberal community grow and improve.”

H.U.G.S. Program

H.U.G.S. grants are available for community projects within Southern Pioneer Electric’s service territory that meet the criteria outlined in the grant application. Eligible projects must fall within one of the following categories: Human Needs, Education, Culture and Art, Civic or Environment.

Organizations that wish to apply must be a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity and reside within Southern Pioneer Electric’s service territory. Government-controlled entities (schools, libraries, EMS, etc.) and faith-based organizations are all eligible to apply.

 

Southern Pioneer Recognizes CEO Scholarship Recipient

Southern Pioneer Electric recognizes Haviland High School graduate, Kaden Weseloh, as a $500 CEO scholarship recipient for 2025.

The scholarships, provided entirely by CEO Lindsay Campbell through her own contributions, are awarded to employees’ students wishing to continue their education after high school.

“We have outstanding youth in our communities,” said Campbell. “It’s exciting to see their efforts rewarded and watch them take these next steps towards realizing their dreams and goals.”

Campbell decided to continue the scholarship upon taking up the CEO role in 2023. Students submitted digital applications, which were subject to blind review.

We Want To Hear From You – Southern Pioneer’s Customer Satisfaction Survey

Southern Pioneer Electric is currently conducting a customer satisfaction. This survey will be conducted over-the-phone and online. This survey will help us ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our customers.

Representatives from the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA) Marketing Research Service will be contacting customers on Southern Pioneer’s behalf to ask a series of questions. Questions on the survey may include customer service, outages and restoration, renewable energy and other issues related to Southern Pioneer. These calls will not collect any personal information that includes your energy service account number or payments. Surveys are expected to last less than 10 minutes.

We encourage customers to provide their feedback. By answering this survey, you provide us with valuable insight that helps us serve you better. Customers with questions or concerns may call our office during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at 1-800-670-4381.