Childers recognized as Mill Creek’s Staff Member of the Year

Penny Childers, second from left, receives her $500 check as Staff Member of the Year from superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler, from left, Mill Creek Principal Dr. Claudia Styles and coordinator of elementary instruction Judy Warmath. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The faculty and staff at Mill Creek Elementary School voted to honor Penelope ‘Penny’ Childers as Staff Member of the Year.

Childers works as cashier in the cafeteria at Mill Creek. “Primarily, my responsibility is running the cash register and maintaining student accounts current and up-to-date. I assist with filing, inventory and food preparation whenever needed,” she said.

In her daily work routine, Childers “tries to promote a positive and friendly atmosphere and greet each student with a smile.” She realizes that lunchtime can give the children a needed break during their school day.

“With so many challenges that students face today, you never know what they may be going through. (They may) need a positive encounter to help them feel good about themselves,” Childers said.

Childers finds many rewarding aspects in her job. “I love working with children, seeing their smiling faces, hearing their laughter and having them share some of their personal stories with me,” she said.

Mill Creek students often tell Childers about pulling a tooth, getting a new pet or going on a trip. One student makes an effort to give her a hug every day. “She brightens my day because she wants to make sure I know she cares about me,” Childers said.

“I would have to say that my major challenge would be making sure that I do everything possible to make sure every child/student has the opportunity to have a well balanced meal provided to them,” Childers said.

She and husband Greg Childers have been married almost 30 years. He works as manager of Custom Decal. “We have two children, Craig and Haley, and our son-in-law Kevin and our eight-year-old grandson Kyler,” Penny said.

“I enjoy attending our grandson’s baseball games, swimming in the pool and spending time with family and friends,” Penny said.