Probation and Parole Agent Jennifer Merlin with the Department of Corrections was hooked after her first experience with Special Olympics Wisconsin in 1997. The passion of the athletes at the State Summer Games in Stevens Point drew Agent Merlin to become involved with Special Olympics. To her, Special Olympics is "a great opportunity that gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to show off their abilities. I wanted to be able to continue helping to provide opportunities for these great athletes. They are amazing individuals! How do you not get a big smile on your face whenever you think of Special Olympics athletes?"

Ever since that day in the summer of 1997, Merlin has become dedicated to Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR). Her 13+ years of experience with the Torch Run truly shapes and inspires her every day. More importantly, it is the people who influenced her to become involved in the first place - the athletes who inspire her daily. "These individuals face obstacles every day, but yet they give 110% and always seem to think of everyone else before themselves. They always have a smile on their face and are very compassionate. They bring such joy to so many people and are just happy to be involved in sports and activities like everyone else."

Merlin tries to learn from her experiences with the athletes who also shape her to be a better person. "We all could learn a lot from them and the world would be a better place if we all took a few lessons from the athletes! If they can give it their all, I can at least put forth more effort too!"It is evident that Agent Merlin's motivation and dedication to her daily work and efforts toward volunteering with the LETR stems from the inspiring passion and hard work of Special Olympics athletes.

When asked about her favorite LETR moment, Merlin had a difficult time choosing just one but again, she chose her moments she has with the athletes one- on-one. To be able to experience their happiness first hand, truly leaves an imprint on her heart.

"My favorite moment is every time I see any of the athletes who remember me and they give me one of their amazing hugs! This will make any day better!"Being able to share the joys of Special Olympics with the athletes is a wonderful experience but Merlin also reports how seeing an athlete achieve their goals is also one of her most heartwarming moments volunteering. "Seeing how excited the athletes get when they finish competing in an event and the big smile on their face when you put that ribbon or medal around their neck is priceless!"

Special Olympics Wisconsin Southeastern Regional Director of Development, Raechel Tudjan has worked with Agent Merlin for five years. They originally met in Kenosha at the Pleasant Prairie Polar Plunge® where Merlin currently serves as the chair of the Plunge committee. She also is the co-chair for the Guardians of the Flame® lunch event and is a committee member for Kenosha's Final Leg. Coincidently, Merlin was also the one who introduced Tudjan to the position she holds today!

Raechel expresses her gratitude for Agent Merlin's participation with Special Olympics, "Jenny's passion about the Special Olympics mission really drives the enthusiasm and energy that she brings to every committee meeting and event she volunteers at. I feel that Jenny is an awesome spokeswoman for volunteering with Special Olympics- the stories that she shares about her experiences as a volunteer makes those around her want to get involved."