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THE PLAN IN ACTION
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Lizzie Romanek: Championing Change with The Plan

miss morgantown showcasing the wvu mountaineer mile

In early 2026, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Romanek stepped into her role as the new ambassador for the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, bringing with her a vibrant spirit and a personal touch that resonates across the state. This Plan, which first took shape in 2015 and is set to guide residents until 2030, aims to make physical activity an effortless choice for everyone. By focusing on ten societal sectors like healthcare, education, and community recreation, The Plan prioritizes physical activity as a cornerstone of public health. Lizzie’s unique approach through her M.O.V.E. initiative seamlessly aligns with these sectors, utilizing media and communications to spark a movement that inspires communities to embrace a more active lifestyle.

miss mountaineer speaking on her program with a microphone
miss mountaineer and group smiling for photo

The M.O.V.E. Initiative

Lizzie’s love for movement began during her formative years as a competitive dancer and deepened while she was a member of the WVU Dance Team from 2020 to 2024. This experience fueled her dedication to community service, culminating in the creation of M.O.V.E. (Motivate, Optimize, Vitalize, and Energize). Her initiative mirrors the objectives of the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, tackling pressing health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes head-on.

“Movement has been an important part of my life since I was young, and now I want others to share that same experience,” Lizzie reflects. Through her work, she champions the idea that physical activity is key to enhancing health outcomes and improving quality of life. Her “Movement Monday” videos on social media break down the barriers to exercise, offering practical and enjoyable ways to integrate physical activity into everyday life. By making exercise accessible and fun, Lizzie helps others discover the joy of movement—an essential part of The Plan’s mission to cultivate a culture of physical activity throughout West Virginia.

miss mountaineer leading the walk of the mountaineer mile

The First WVU Mountaineer Mile

As ambassador, Lizzie had the honor of leading the first WVU Mountaineer Mile in Morgantown on April 18. This event was designed to be a fun, inclusive experience where participants of all skill levels were welcomed to move their bodies, fostering a sense of community centered around movement. Lizzie expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “I loved getting to lead the walk because it truly brings the community together while increasing physical activity levels in our state!”

5 Simple Steps to Implement The Plan

Bringing The Plan to life at the local level involves strategic thinking and collaboration among local leaders and stakeholders. Here are five simple steps to set The Plan in motion:

  1. Build a Leadership Team: Gather a diverse group of stakeholders from sectors like business, education, healthcare, media, parks, and local government to advocate for physical activity as a public health priority.
  2. Conduct a Community Needs Assessment: Understand your community’s physical activity needs by conducting a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint opportunities for increasing activity and determine which strategies should be prioritized.
  3. Set Goals and Objectives: Define both short and long-term goals to enhance physical activity within your community, guided by the five priority areas of The Plan for a well-rounded approach.
  4. Develop Partnerships: Forge and maintain partnerships to share resources such as facilities, staff, and funds, which are crucial for driving local policy changes and creating environments conducive to physical activity.
  5. Implement, Track, and Share Success: Craft action steps based on community needs, track progress with effective measurement tools, and celebrate successes to motivate other communities to follow suit.


By following these steps, communities can help West Virginia move towards a healthier future. Lizzie’s passion for promoting an active lifestyle and her dedication makes her a powerful advocate for The Plan. Through her engagement on social media, public appearances, and sharing her personal journey, Lizzie inspires others to prioritize their health and well-being, proving that with the right motivation and support, everyone can be empowered to move toward a better tomorrow.