Photo by Emma Delk John Marshall High School custodian Keith “Panger” Wright was selected as a WV Service Personnel of he Year finalist after earning the distinction at the county-level in April.

John Marshall High School custodian Keith “Panger” Wright is being recognized for his contributions to the school and community as one of five finalists for the 2026 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year.

Wright, a retired Comcast employee, has been recognized as the JMHS Service Personnel of the Year every year since he began working at the school four years ago. This year is the first time he has won the county award, and he was announced as a finalist for the state award on Tuesday.

The West Virginia Department of Education will honor the finalists and name the 2026 School Service Personnel of the Year during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center on Sept. 9.

Superintendent Shelby Haines was not surprised by Wright receiving the recognition, noting that visitors to the high school often comment on its cleanliness.

“We had a speaker at John Marshall this year that came out of the bathroom and said, ‘I speak in schools all over the nation, and I can tell the pride of a school when I go into one of the bathrooms,'” Haines recalled. “She then said, ‘That’s the cleanest bathroom I’ve ever been in.’ Panger was standing there with a huge smile on his face and said, ‘That’s my zone.'”

Haines noted that Wright not only “takes pride” in his work, but also always has a smile on his face for students.

“The kids know who he is and he’s always willing to help kids and teachers when they ask for it,” Haines said. “He’s just a staple in the John Marshall family, and we wish him the best of luck.”

Marshall County Board of Education President John Miller joked that while Wright retired from Comcast, the district would not allow him to retire as a custodian.

“I don’t think we’re going to allow him to retire from where he’s at now, but I don’t think he wants to, either,” Miller said.

Board member Lori Kestner said employees like Wright serve as positive mentors for students in the schools.

“Not only do our students win awards, but so do our employees, which is really impressive,” Kestner said. “I think part of the reason why our students win the awards is that they have great mentors and teachers here in our schools.”

This is the second consecutive year that Marshall County has had a finalist for the state service personnel award. The current West Virginia Service Personnel of the Year winner is Center McMechen and Glen Dale Elementary schools librarian Nicole McCulley.

“I feel like there’s only been one year since I became superintendent that we haven’t had an employee as a finalist for state service personnel,” Haines said. “That shows that people go above and beyond just doing their job here, and that sets them apart.”