MBA student, college recruiter, two-time National Dance Alliance Collegiate Champion, and WV Physical Activity Plan Ambassador, Elizabeth Romanek of Wheeling, recently added Miss West Virginia 2026 to her list of accomplishments. First up on her agenda is to motivate, optimize, vitalize, and energize all West Virginians to move in ways that best suit them through her community service initiative, M.O.V.E. Next stop: representing the Mountain State in the Miss America Competition!

We live in a gorgeous state that offers walking trails, mountains, and rivers for moving our bodies. These features are the perfect backdrop for many types of outdoor activities, from white-water rafting to walking a scenic trail. West Virginia offers opportunities for movement that are accessible to everyone at all levels.

M.O.V.E. (motivate, optimize, vitalize, energize) is particularly significant in West Virginia, where the obesity rate is 41.2%, the highest among all 50 states. Due to obesity and chronic diseases, West Virginia consistently ranks the lowest in life expectancy compared to other states. Therefore, her goal of promoting a healthier West Virginia through movement is essential.

Elizabeth is dedicated to organizing wellness clubs and after-school activities to encourage movement and keep kids active. As a competitive dancer during her childhood, Elizabeth was introduced to movement at an early age, which shaped not only her health but also her confidence and discipline. M.O.V.E. focuses on vitality, aiming to provide similar positive experiences for other young individuals.

A Summa Cum Laude West Virginia University graduate, Elizabeth earned a degree in Marketing to connect with people and engage in creative communication. She is now pursuing a Master of Business Administration and serving as the Assistant Director of Admission and Recruitment Events at Bethany College, guiding young people in their pursuit of higher education.