As soon as Marc Keith turned the corner into the cafeteria area, he knew he’d been had.

A thunderous “Surprise!” echoed off the walls and the Port Neches-Groves principal began to smile as he walked toward the crowd of teachers awaiting his arrival. “Y’all are bad,” he said as he got within earshot of several teachers who were still clapping their hands in applause.

The small after-school ceremony was held in Keith’s honor for several reasons. First, because Keith was recently announced as the Region V Principal of the Year. Secondly, because Keith recently completed the Doctoral program at Lamar University, all the while receiving his superintendent’s certification.

And lastly, for doing all of this while rounding out his second full year of being PN-G’s principal — a tenure that has seen several named hurricanes, the advent of bond projects and countless hours away from precious family time.

“I’ve actually told a doctoral cohort that when everything settles I think I can write a book,” Keith said, laughing.

“Because since I’ve been in the program, I’ve gone through three job changes, four named storms, and everything involved in between. It’s been challenging but like I said, it’s not all me — its been because of a lot of people that have helped along with way.”

Prior to being named PN-G’s principal, Keith moved up the ranks since first employed for the school district in 1991. He taught and coached at the high school, taught and coached at Groves Middle School, taught and coached at Port Neches Middle School, became Principal at Port Neches Middle before coming back to the high school as Principal in 2007.

PN-G’s Superintendent Dr. Lani Randall was on hand for the event and said she and the district were all proud of Keith for the accomplishments he’s achieved.

“We’re all very proud of Mr. Marc Keith,” Randall said. “Not only has he been named Region V Principal of the Year, but he’s just completed his Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration — he’s completed his superintendent certification and did all of this the same time he’s taken the leadership position at PN-G High School.”

“Mr. Keith is truly a role model for his faculty, administrators and teachers in the district.”

Randall says Keith’s success stems from his very positive attitude and that he looks for the good in individuals while also maintaining a very high standard for students.

“He expects them to do their best,” Randall said. “And he gives them support they need to get to that point.”

Once the ceremony was over and the congratulations began, Keith said he felt a little overwhelmed and that the accomplishments he attained would not have been possible without support from God, his staff, the students and teachers of PN-GISD and his family.

“I can’t say enough about my own family having to go through this,” Keith said. “Because there was a lot of times and nights away from them — and vacations and things that we’ve had to postpone. But, I’m in the greatest place in the world.

“It’s easy to do the things that I do because I’ve got great communities, great parental support, great teachers, great kids. It’s just been a fun ride.”