The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce five finalists for the 2026 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year (SPOY) award. Finalists are chosen from classroom aides, bus operators, cafeteria workers, custodians, maintenance workers, office workers and other school service personnel for outstanding contributions to their school and community.
The West Virginia Board of Education established this annual awards program in 2020 as a parallel program to the Teacher of the Year program. Since then, counties have included SPOYs as a part of their annual employee recognition activities.
Finalists are as follows:
Finalist | School | County |
Ivy Alonso | Johnson Elementary School | Harrison County |
Haley Cummins | Marlinton Middle School | Pocahontas County |
Kristi Damron | Scott Teays Elementary School | Putnam County |
Brandon Kelley | Washington District Elementary School | Upshur County |
Keith Wright | John Marshall High School | Marshall County |
Keith Wright is a respected custodian at John Marshall High School in Marshall County. He contributes to daily operations and school culture through his service-focused work ethic. Wright ensures students and staff have a clean, safe environment while also assisting with maintenance and training new custodians on equipment and procedures. His attention to detail attracts recognition, including praise from a national speaker for maintaining the cleanest restrooms encountered during her travels. Beloved by students and admired by staff, Wright exemplifies servant leadership, integrity and school pride. His presence raises the standard of excellence at John Marshall High School, making him an outstanding representative of school service personnel.
The WVDE will honor the finalists and name the 2026 School Service Personnel of the Year during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Learn more by visiting Service Personnel of the Year page.