A special celebration at Sidney Deener Elementary School in Searcy recognized 2 women for their dedication to students and the Searcy School District, including a beloved custodian who has been named the school’s 2026-2027 Employee of the Year.
Mrs. Penny Williamson, affectionately known to students and staff as “Miss Penny,” received recognition for her outstanding service and the positive impact she makes throughout the school.
Ms. Baylee Ferren was also honored during the celebration for her service to Sidney Deener students and the Searcy School District.
The recognition took place during a special tailgate party organized to celebrate the 2 women and their contributions to the school community.
Searcy Public Schools Celebrates 2 Outstanding Employees
Betsy Bailey, Communications/Community Relations with Searcy Public Schools, said the district was excited to recognize Williamson and Ferren.
“We held a really fun tailgate party where we recognized two wonderful ladies, Ms. Penny Williamson and Ms. Baylee Ferren,” Bailey said.
She explained that the event celebrated their service to Sidney Deener students and the Searcy School District as a whole.
“We are so proud of their accomplishments and are happy we could honor them,” Bailey said.
The celebration provided an opportunity for the school community to recognize the people whose work helps make a difference for students every day.
Mrs. Penny Williamson Named 2026-2027 Employee of the Year
Williamson’s selection as Employee of the Year highlights the importance of the many school employees whose work often takes place behind the scenes.
As a custodian at Sidney Deener Elementary, Williamson is responsible for helping maintain a clean and welcoming school environment.
But according to her coworkers, Miss Penny does much more than keep the building looking its best.
She decorates the school for students, helps teachers with everyday needs and constantly finds ways to make children and employees feel special.
School staff members say Williamson often handles problems before anyone even realizes something needs attention.
And she does it all with a smile.
Everyone at Sidney Deener Elementary Matters
1 school employee said Williamson’s selection as Employee of the Year sends an important message about the value of every person working inside a school.
“Miss Penny being selected, I think it says a lot about Deener and how everyone in the school matters,” the employee explained.
The staff member pointed to custodians, cafeteria workers and teachers as examples of employees who help shape the school’s environment.
“They’re making a huge impact on our school and on our culture,” the employee said.
Williamson’s recognition demonstrates that the people responsible for maintaining the building and supporting daily operations are just as much a part of the school family as those working inside classrooms.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Coworkers say Williamson consistently goes above and beyond her regular responsibilities.
She creates small decorations for students, takes care of details throughout the school and helps make the building a welcoming place.
Much of that work happens quietly.
“She does things constantly behind the scenes that nobody even knows about,” 1 employee said.
The employee explained that Williamson’s efforts help keep the school looking beautiful every day.
Those small gestures have made a meaningful difference for students and staff.
“Miss Penny Makes Deener Feel Like Home”
Another school employee described Williamson’s impact in a way that goes far beyond her official job description.
“I think that Ms. Penny makes Deener feel like home,” the staff member explained.
The employee said Williamson takes pride in keeping the school clean and organized, but her greatest concern is making sure the people inside feel comfortable, safe and appreciated.
“She makes people feel seen. She makes people feel loved,” the employee said.
Staff members say Williamson often recognizes when teachers or students need assistance before they even ask.
She is known for stepping in, lending a hand and helping make someone’s day a little easier.
Dancing With Students in the Cafeteria
Williamson’s connection with children is another reason she has become such an important part of Sidney Deener Elementary.
Coworkers say she has developed special relationships with students and enjoys sharing fun moments with them.
Those moments sometimes include dancing together in the cafeteria.
“They dance in the cafeteria together. They have fun,” 1 employee recalled.
Staff members say students do not simply think of Williamson as the person responsible for cleaning the school.
They see her as Miss Penny, someone who cares about them and makes their day better.
Always Ready to Help
Teachers also shared examples of Williamson recognizing needs and taking action without being asked.
1 employee recalled returning to school after summer break and discovering that the classroom trash cans had disappeared.
Before the teacher could request replacements, Williamson had already addressed the problem and provided 3 additional trash cans.
It was a small act, but coworkers say it demonstrates the way she approaches her responsibilities every day.
She sees a problem and finds a solution.
Whether someone needs help preparing a classroom, cleaning up a space or locating supplies, Williamson is known for responding with a smile.
A Special Member of the Sidney Deener Family
According to coworkers, Williamson joined the Sidney Deener Elementary family last school year and quickly became someone students and employees could depend on.
Teachers describe her as cheerful, dependable and always willing to help.
1 employee summed up Williamson’s personality with 3 words:
CARING. HARDWORKING. DEPENDABLE.
Coworkers say those qualities are demonstrated through her daily actions and the way she treats everyone around her.
Recognizing Those Who Make a Difference
The celebration at Sidney Deener Elementary served as a reminder that every member of a school’s staff plays a role in the success of its students.
Congratulations to Miss Penny Williamson, the 2026-2027 Sidney Deener Elementary Employee of the Year, and to Ms. Baylee Ferren on their well-deserved recognition.
HAVE INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Share your community news, announcements, sports results, and upcoming events with the ArkansasRadio.com family of radio stations. Submit your event at
To report a typo, please email newsarkansasradio@gmail.com
Leave a Reply