Kelley

BUCKHANNON — A custodian from an Upshur County elementary school has been announced as the 2026 School Service Personnel of the Year.

Brandon Kelley, from Washington District Elementary School, was selected for the prestigious award by the West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education.

Kelley received the award on Tuesday during the Celebration of Excellence in Education event at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. His tenure as the 2026 School Service Personnel of the Year begins Jan. 1, 2026.

Described by the WVDE as a “dedicated custodian at Washington District Elementary School,” Kelley is said to exemplify excellence in service, professionalism and integrity. He is known for his “outstanding work ethic and commitment to maintaining a clean and nurturing learning environment” and is said to play an important role in daily school operations and “the long-term success of students.”

“Beyond his custodial responsibilities, (Kelley) serves as a student mentor and a dependable colleague to co-workers,” the WVDE said in a press release. “He contributes to school and district-wide improvement through his participation in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and the Staff Development Council. Kelley’s compassion and dedication make him a valued member of the Washington District Elementary community.”

“Mr. Kelley demonstrates why school service personnel are essential parts of our school communities. He is recognized as an effective role model for staff and students, and he eagerly serves others with humility,” State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said during the ceremony. “His title is custodian, but his voice represents his peers and others with his service on various councils in the county. Mr. Kelley embodies what it means to be an ambassador for our state.”

According to Washington District Elementary School, Kelley had become a cornerstone of the school’s community for years. He is known for his work ethic, passion and genuine care for both students and staff, going “far beyond the call of duty each and every day.”

“Mr. Kelley is an essential member of our school family,” Washington District Elementary Principal Kayla Yocum said in a release from the school. “He leads with heart, as he builds meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, allowing all who know him to feel valued and appreciated. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his dedication, passion and commitment to our students, staff, school and community.”

Upshur County Schools congratulated Kelley in a post on social media, saying, “Congratulations to Brandon Kelly of Washington District Elementary, the 2026 WV Service Personnel of the Year!”

2026 School Service Personnel of the Year finalists were 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.

Finalists included Ivy Alonso with Johnson Elementary School in Harrison County, Haley Cummins with Marlinton Middle School in Pocahontas County Kristi Damron with Scott Teays Elementary School in Putnam County and Keith Wright with John Marshall High School in Marshall County.

According to the WVDE, the SPOY program has been elevated “to greater levels of success and effectiveness” thanks to the program’s sponsors. The 2026 sponsors include:

• Highmark West Virginia, who gave $2,500.

• Horace Mann, who gave $2,500.

• The West Virginia Lottery, who gave a $500 grant.

• West Virginia Tourism, who gave a two-night stay at a West Virginia State Park.

• Education West Virginia, who gave $500.

• The West Virginia School Service Personnel Association, who gave $500.

• Tony the Tailor, who gave a $250 gift card.

• Blenko Glass, who gave a commemorative handcrafted coin to all county winners.