Congratulations to Penny Stanley, Athletic Secretary. She was recognized as the 2025 Education Support Professional of the Year (ESPY).
The ESPY has a long history in the school district. Each year, nominations are received from colleagues that recognize the outstanding performance of the education support staff. Penny’s nomination was submitted by Athletic Director Evan Ivory and Family and Consumer Science teacher Nicol Oller.
Mr. Ivory stated – I am honored to nominate Penny Stanley, the Pirates' dedicated Athletics Secretary, for the ESPY Award for Support Person of the Year. Penny's unwavering commitment and tireless work ethic have made an indelible impact on our athletic department, and she is undeniably deserving of this recognition.
Penny works year-round to ensure that our student-athletes, clubs, coaches, and community members are informed about and celebrated for the amazing accomplishments of our students. Whether it’s coordinating schedules, communicating with athletes and families, or supporting coaches and administrators, Penny is the glue that holds everything together. She goes above and beyond to make sure that every athlete has the resources they need to succeed, from arranging transportation to managing complex logistics for events and competitions.
Her behind-the-scenes work extends far beyond paperwork and scheduling. Penny is a master communicator who makes it her mission to highlight the achievements of our students and showcase their hard work to the entire school community. Whether it’s through newsletters, social media updates, or event coordination, Penny ensures that every success—big or small—does not go unnoticed.
Penny’s dedication to supporting our athletic program also extends to fostering an environment where all student-athletes feel valued, included, and empowered. She is a constant source of encouragement and positivity, always offering a helping hand to those who need it. Her influence is felt by every student-athlete, coach, and member of our community, making her an integral part of our success both on and off the field.
In short, Penny’s devotion to supporting our athletics department and its participants is unmatched. Her tireless efforts and exceptional organizational skills have made a profound difference in the lives of so many. It is without hesitation that I nominate Penny for the ESPY Award for Support Person of the Year. Her work continues to elevate our athletic community, and she truly deserves to be recognized for her outstanding contributions.
Ms. Oller stated – I am pleased to nominate Penny for the Educational Support Professional of the Year award. As a teacher and coach at West Carrollton High School, I have had the privilege of knowing Penny for several years, and I can confidently say that she embodies the qualities of an outstanding Educator Support Professional.
When I think about the role of an Educational Support Professional, Penny is the first that comes to mind. Her contributions to our school community are immense, yet often go unrecognized. When asked about her job title, I find myself hesitating, as her work transcends the typical duties of an athletic secretary. Penny is the type of person who consistently prioritizes the needs of others, often putting herself second to support her colleagues and students.
As the Family and Consumer Science teacher, my classroom is adjacent to the main office. This proximity has allowed me to observe Penny's unwavering dedication to her role. There is rarely a moment when her office isn’t bustling with teachers, students, coaches, and administrators seeking her assistance. Her ability to foster a supportive environment has made her an invaluable resource for all.
During my second year of teaching, Penny encouraged me to become the bowling coach, despite my lack of athletic experience. She went above and beyond her job responsibilities to help me feel comfortable in this new role. From scheduling practices to contacting bowling alleys, Penny was there every step of the way. Her genuine desire to create a welcoming space for all students to participate in sports demonstrates her commitment to inclusivity.
As I navigated personal challenges during my fourth year, including a divorce and my mother’s health issues, Penny stepped up to provide support without hesitation. Despite my efforts to keep my personal and professional lives separate, her unwavering encouragement helped me focus and persevere. Knowing I had someone like her in my corner made all the difference.
Penny also plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of our students. She feeds those who are hungry, mentors those who feel lost, and listens to students searching for their worth. If you were to ask anyone at our school what Penny does, the response would likely be, “What doesn’t she do?” In addition to her daily tasks, she assists with hall duty, finds substitutes for absent teachers, and helps plan impactful events like signing day and pep assemblies.
What truly sets Penny apart is her deep love for West Carrollton. Her experiences as a parent, staff member, and student in our district inform her approach to making our school a better place for everyone. I genuinely cannot imagine our school without her, and I am a better teacher and person because of her influence.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Penny for the Educational Support Professional of the Year award. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to our school community are unparalleled, and she truly deserves this recognition.
Her nomination was also endorsed by former and current coaches, the Kettering Health Athletic Trainer, former student athletes and the Athletic Department Intern.
The other nominees were Cassandra Lander, ECC; Lisa Boyd, ECC; Paige Horn, Schnell; Lily Martin, Schnell; John Ward, Schnell; Lisa Martin, Russell; Amanda Tilton, Russell; British Alexander, Intermediate; Coyle Ballard, Intermediate; Candace Kraus, Intermediate; Joy Conrad, Middle School; Julie Delph, Middle School; Marsha Webner, Middle School; Blake Billett, High School; Melissa Fields, High School; and Kim Maggard, High School.