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An Upshur County commissioner has earned statewide recognition for her work getting West Virginians up and moving.
Kristie Tenney has been selected to receive the 2026 Governor’s Mountaineer Spirit Award for encouraging participation in the Mountaineer Mile, the County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia announced Thursday. She shares the honor with Lauren Winans. The award is presented through Volunteer West Virginia as part of the Governor’s Service Awards.
The honor recognizes individuals whose volunteer service, leadership and dedication leave a lasting impact on their communities and the state, the association said. It credited Tenney with inspiring West Virginians of all ages to get active, connect with one another and embrace the spirit that makes the state a special place to call home.
Tenney said she could not imagine sharing the recognition with anyone but Winans, and that the honor belongs to the people who walked alongside them.
“We are truly honored and humbled by this recognition, but this award belongs to the thousands of West Virginians who participated in the Mountaineer Mile,” she said.
She thanked “the students, teachers, health departments, senior centers, elected officials, military members, community leaders, businesses, and citizens who joined us every step of the way” — along with everyone who strapped on a weighted vest for the ruck challenges.
Those efforts reached beyond fitness. Tenney pointed to the Lewis County Junior ROTC’s support for veterans with PTSD through Warrior Project Pearl and to an Ohio County flood relief walk and run fundraiser.
She also thanked Gov. Patrick Morrisey for launching the Mountaineer Mile.
“Most importantly, thank you to Governor Patrick Morrisey for launching the Mountaineer Mile and inspiring healthy living across West Virginia,” she said. “We are grateful, humbled, and excited to continue serving our great state.”
