SPO Connection Life-Time Achievement Honoree
Stanley "Stan" Lawayne Burton
Founder’s Tribute to Stanley Burton
Charles King- Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection (SPO)
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that I recognize Mr. Stanley Burton for his unwavering commitment to the mission of Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection from our earliest days. Long before our programs gained formal structure or public recognition, Stan was already there—investing his time, energy, and heart into the lives of young people.
Stan’s impact on our organization began on the basketball courts and in Blunt Park as a classroom. His leadership as a coach for our summer league boys’ basketball team brought home a city championship, but far more importantly, he modeled discipline, resilience, and mentorship for every player. His coaching, grounded in faith and fairness, created a safe space where boys could grow into confident young men.
But Stan’s contributions didn’t stop at the basketball baseline. Whether tutoring students one-on-one, advocating in schools, or offering quiet guidance to those struggling, he always made himself available—without recognition, without complaint. His patience is legendary. As Stan says, “I have 100 reps in me,” and he has indeed repeated lessons hundreds of times to ensure no student is left behind.
Stanley Burton embodies the spirit of SPO Connection: consistent, compassionate, and committed to creating positive opportunity. He helped lay the foundation of who we are and continues to inspire us all with his humility and service.
Thank you, Stan, for showing us what true support looks like.
With respect and heartfelt appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection (SPO)
My Story
Stanley is semi-retired, working at the Ralph Ellison Branch of the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City. This positions him to be available to meet and assist students to tutor, from kindergarten through college, to reach their educational goals.
Stanley received a nomination to the Naval Academy in 1974; Delivered one of the graduation speeches at Star Spencer High School in 1975; Graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. degree in Environmental Geography in 1982.
It was while attending Oklahoma State University that Stanley met his soon to be wife, the former Sandra E. Yarbrough. They married in 1984 and moved to Springfield, MA, where Sandra began her professional career at Digital Equipment Corporation. Stanley began his career as an inspector for the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture in 1985. As an inspector, he was responsible for ensuring safe food and water supply for the western portion of Massachusetts.
As Church School teachers at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Springfield, Stanley and Sandra realized the number of students lacking sufficient reading skills. This prompted them to begin tutoring sessions at Bethel. Stan and Sandra tutored their first student in 1986, who was attending Springfield Technical Community College and taking Chemistry.
Stanley and Sandra coached winter league girls’ basketball at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Springfield and led the team to win the Park & Recreation League Playoff Championship. Stanley also coached summer league boys’ basketball with SPO Connection, and Charles King winning the city summer league championship. Stanley emulated the coaching style of his softball coach from Redeemer Lutheran Church in OKC.
The Burton’s moved to St. Louis, MO where once again they found themselves tutoring students. This time at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Churchand Immanuel Community Center, both located in the Hazelwood School District (HSD). Stanley served as facilities coordinator for Immanuel Community Center (ICC). He was the chief advocate to the schools on behalf of the students. He met with teachers, counselors, and principals to help students successfully navigate their way through school. Stanley was a Hazelwood Hero (HSD volunteers) who tutored students in several schools. He was HSD Volunteer of the Year in 2015.
Stan was employed with the Salvation Army and the Community Action Agency in St. Louis, MO, for 15 years as an employment specialist and classroom teacher for subjects including budgeting, home and vehicle purchasing, shopping skills, energy conservation, and G.E.D. preparation.
The family moved back to Oklahoma City, where Stanley tutors students from all quadrants of the city. He received the Patron of the Year Award in 2024 from the Mid-Del School District.
Stanley is a very patient listener with the students and tells them, “I have 100 reps in me, and you can ask me the same question until you understand how to do your schoolwork.”