In a continuum from last week’s story following Penny Berry’s retirement from 35 years in education, 23 of those years with Western Technology Center, she felt her story needed to be completed by recognizing where her call to teach first began - as a Cordell Blue Devil.
Beginning in her 30s as what she considered a non-traditional teacher, three men, Mr. Burrows, Mr. Maynard, and Mr. Crabbe, took a chance on her as a newbie.
Penny’s first assignment was to team teach 7th and 8th grade English alongside Mrs. Hull.
Following her first year, she had her own classroom, where she says she was still learning just as much as the students.
Penny felt God’s next call to her at Cordell Schools was to become the school counselor.
“Mr. Burrows had a real gift of seeing things in people they didn’t see in themselves; he had a real gift for that. He got me emergency certified, and I had to finish my degree as a counselor. I have always kind of worked with teenagers in church activities. When we had to make the change at the school from the classroom to the counselor, it was just a calling to help students figure out what their next steps were, whether that was to go to the tech center, go to college, or go straight to the workforce. I was there to help them figure out what their best path was. I loved that part of it; I did. It allowed me to get close to some of the kids and help them through some difficult times.”
Penny shared about the mailboxes she secured in her office for the high school seniors. It was a way for her to encourage student interaction, share scholarship applications, and treats; the mailboxes helped open the door for communication.
During her years with Cordell, Penny implemented many changes and traditions that are still part of CHS today, such as the all-night prom and the Promathon.
“Around ‘94/’95, Mr. Maynard, Khristy Russ, and I did the first all-night prom. We did the Promathon and raised cash to give to the kids, and that was the first one. It was really cool!
I asked the kids what would keep them at the school all night long having fun with each other at the prom, and they said money. I said okay, that’s not a problem. I can get money. I’ll do my part, but you must do yours and stay. So we played games, got a hypnotist, had a nice finger food buffet, danced, and drew for money. We had a new activity every 30 minutes and drew for $100 every hour, but the kids had to be there at breakfast to get the money. Mr. Burrows even did a stick horse race, and every one of us came up with some activity to keep them moving all night long!” said Penny.
Penny also had the pleasure of becoming the cheerleader sponsor and instilling in young ladies the act of service. She also helped with the speech and drama department.
“Mrs. Kathy Elerick was the Queen of Speech, she brought that to Cordell, and it really blossomed. She came after I had started there, and I helped her with that. I loved that kind of stuff.”
As Penny was introduced to Western Technology Center, she became an advocate for the students, knowing that training was offered there that could and would benefit them.
After serving Cordell Public Schools for nine years, the opportunity arose for Penny to join the staff at WTC - another group of amazing people God placed her in the middle of.
After transitioning to the tech center, it was a similar role. She didn’t start as the counselor but eventually found herself in the position, and her last 13/14 years have been in administration.
Penny’s adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges have been a source of inspiration for many.
Penny’s love for her work and the joy it brings her is evident in every aspect of her career. She feels blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of two schools she loves and supports, and this passion is truly inspiring.