Keith Allan Wright was born in Richmond, Virginia on November 16, 1985. Keith grew up in Berryville, Virginia and was a graduate of Clarke County High School in 2004.

Like many students, Keith decided early on that a traditional educational path was not for him. Keith was a relentless tinkerer. Anything he could get his hands on; he would work to understand how it was made and how it could be better. After graduating Clarke County High School in 2004, Keith spent time in various odd jobs trying to find something that would appeal to his curiosity. It wasn't until a fellow 2004 graduate, Joshua Branham helped him start his technical career in a usual place: the loading dock at Equinix in Ashburn, Virginia. Eventually, it became too much for Keith to have this equipment only in his hands for a short period of time. It wasn't long before his curiosity got the best of him, and Keith took it upon himself to learn the trade of becoming a data-center technician.

That curiosity and passion for learning would take Keith from the loading dock at Equinix to building out the early footprint of data centers for Meta; taking him across the country as a master technician and a mentor to dozens of engineers during his tenure. Keith would go on to become more than just an engineer. Like his father, Greg, he became a pilot. If you ever had the pleasure of joining Keith in the skies, you know there was no place he loved more. If you were a friend, a mentee or a trusted colleague of Keith's, you passed a high bar. Being a friend meant something to Keith. The knowledge and memories shared by those who knew him best are cherished to this day.

Keith passed away on October 21st, 2015. He was 29 years old.

The Keith Wright Memorial Technical Scholarship is for a student that possess a natural curiosity for technology; who obsessively tinkers and wants to understand the why behind everything. It's also for the student that perhaps needs a little help in figuring out how to get a foot in the door or what direction to pursue. The scholarship is more than just financial aid. It's connecting to a network of technologists across some of the biggest technology companies in the world; most of which are Clarke County graduates, to provide career development and mentorship opportunities where possible.

Thank you for considering a contribution to the Keith Wright Memorial Technical Scholarship Fund. Every gift made through this page helps ensure that Keith’s curiosity, passion for technology, and commitment to helping others find their path continue to make an impact. Your generosity will help us sustain this scholarship for years to come, opening doors for future Clarke County graduates and carrying Keith’s legacy forward through the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

About the CCEF:

Thirty-five years ago, a group of Clarke County parents and community members came together around a simple idea: to help our schools and create more opportunities for Clarke County students. Today, the Clarke County Education Foundation continues that same mission.

Founded in 1991, CCEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing private support to Clarke County Public Schools to enhance and expand opportunities beyond what tax-supported funding can provide. Over the past 35 years, CCEF has invested more than $4 million in Clarke County students, teachers, and schools through student scholarships, classroom and teacher grants, innovative programs, and donor-supported projects.

Scholarships like the Keith Wright Memorial Technical Scholarship are an important part of continuing that mission. Through the generosity of families, alumni, businesses, and community members, CCEF is able to honor the lives and legacies of people who have made an impact on our community while creating meaningful opportunities for the students who come next.

Each scholarship tells a story, opens a door, and represents an investment in a Clarke County student’s future. We are honored to help carry these legacies forward and ensure that the generosity of our community continues to make a difference for generations to come. Learn more about the CCEF by visiting www.ccefinc.org