October 2025 - Santerra Lester
For our September Local Legend we would like to recognize Santerra Lester. Santerra is a proud native of McDowell County, having been born and raised in Avondale. After graduating high school, she made the decision to stay close to her family in the county that had shaped her, with the hope of raising her own children in the same supportive community she had grown up in. She deeply values the sense of belonging and connection McDowell offers and is committed to seeing it flourish.
A passionate advocate for local youth, Santerra founded Appalachian Enrichment Project Co. in 2021, though her journey of giving back began in 2017 through fundraising efforts tied to her small business. Her nonprofit has since raised over $100,000 for annual Christmas events, ensuring that every child, regardless of income, has the opportunity to take part in community celebrations. For Santerra, this work is a direct reflection of the values instilled in her by her parents and grandmother, Marie, who was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.
The foundation of her volunteerism is rooted in faith and a strong belief in the power of compassion. She says, “Having God in my life first and foremost has really shown me that every person deserves love and compassion.” This perspective has been pivotal in shaping her mission to create joyful experiences for children, and witnessing their smiles makes every ounce of effort worthwhile.
When asked about the importance of supporting McDowell County, Santerra reflects on how often the area is misunderstood by outsiders. “McDowell is a beautiful place,” she shares. “There are many people here willing to lend a helping hand, and I want to be a part of helping the county grow and prosper.” Her dedication to McDowell extends beyond just charitable efforts—it's about making the county a place where her children, too, can one day call home with pride.
Being named a More LIFE Local Legend is an honor Santerra never expected. Though she feels undeserving, she is humbled and grateful for the recognition, as it validates the countless hours spent pouring her heart into her community. For her, the most rewarding part of helping others is knowing she is fulfilling God’s calling and that the kindness of strangers continues to inspire her to give back.
Her advice to anyone looking to make a difference in their own community is simple: "No matter how unachievable a dream may seem, never give up." She reflects on her own journey, from winning a $75 gift card at 17 to starting her small business and nonprofit. Through hard work and perseverance, her dream of helping others became a reality.
Santerra’s story is one of dedication, faith, and a deep love for her community. She continues to be a driving force for good in McDowell County, proving that one person can truly make a lasting difference
Thank you, Santerra! You are truly a Local Legend!
September 2025 - Ashlee Spencer
For our September Local Legend we would like to recognize Ashlee Spencer. Ashlee Spencer is a dedicated community advocate from Northfork, WV, with deep roots in McDowell County. Born and raised in the region, Ashlee’s commitment to service is shaped by her upbringing—her mother hails from Welch and her father from Eckman. Throughout her life, Ashlee has been involved in various community efforts, including organizing school supply giveaways, children’s parties, community feedings, and supporting local sports teams through fundraisers.
For Ashlee, volunteerism isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a calling. She believes that in an area where many rely on the kindness of others, service is crucial. Raised with the principle of being part of something greater than oneself, she finds joy in being a positive force in her community. Ashlee’s passion stems from the belief that McDowell County deserves more attention and support, especially given the area's often overlooked needs. She feels an unwavering duty to serve, knowing firsthand the strength of her community and its resilient, good-hearted people.
Being named a More LIFE Local Legend is an honor for Ashlee though she emphasizes that she doesn't seek recognition. For her, the true reward lies in the sense of purpose she feels from helping others and fostering stronger community bonds. Ashlee’s advice to others? “Step out of your comfort zone and be of service to your community—you never know whose life you could change.”
Thank you, Ashlee! You are truly a Local Legend!
August 2025 - Shannon Pace
For our August Local Legend we would like to recognize Shannon Pace. Shannon hasn’t always been a resident of McDowell County, but she felt the Lord calling her to Appalachia and His calling led her here. She is a social worker by trade and served as the community coordinator for Welch Elementary for 5 years. In this role, she worked with students and families to help meet both their basic and mental/emotional needs. She has also volunteered her time with a nonprofit in McDowell County since 2017. She has always had a heart for people, often being known as ‘mama’ to everyone so serving comes naturally to her. She reflects on a devastating accident involving her mama that forever changed her life. She shared that in her time of need there were people quietly working in the background to ensure that her needs were met and it reminded her to push through those hard times. She said “When I found Jesus, I knew I had to be that for kids who grew up like I did, those who suffer in silence who are too afraid to tell someone about what life is really like at home. I wanted to be a safe space for kids like I wish I had all those years ago. Christ calls us to be His hands and feet, a reflection of His love, grace and mercy. That’s what I hope to convey in the relationships I build. I’m passionate because He saw me and said I was worthy when I felt worthless. I never want anyone else to feel worthless like that.” When asked why supporting her community and McDowell County in general was important to her she has this to say: We will never rise above if we don’t build foundations our students can create futures on. I want our kids to know they are enough, priceless and worthy. The only way I can convey that is by being present in their lives. Cultivating meaningful relationships that break down walls and build bridges for change. Shannon finds seeing people experience the feeling of seeing themselves in her eyes, finding peace in Christ, and freedom from self doubt/hate and watching them succeed in ways they never thought possible, big or small, to be the most rewarding part of serving others. Shannon's advice for community service is this: Build relationships first, let service come second to everything else. If you don’t build a foundation of love and support for your community first you’ll never be able to truly make an impact. Even on your hardest days, God has you here for a purpose. You are no accident and your service work matters. All for His Glory and our good.
Thank you, Shannon! You are truly a Local Legend!
July 2025 - Tiffany Bryant
For our July Local Legend we would like to recognize Tiffany Bryant. Tiffany is a lifelong resident of McDowell County. She says "this community isn’t just where I live — it’s part of who I am." She is deeply involved in youth sports throughout the county and states that she believes athletics are a powerful way to help shape kids into successful, well-rounded adults. She also serves her time volunteering at the local fire department. Tiffany is always stepping in and lending a hand where there's a need -- no matter how big or small. Tiffany says that she was taught the value of helping other at a young age by her parents Dewayne and Pam Bishop. They led by example and showed her just how important it is to give back and support your community. She told us that she carries the phrase "treat others how you want to be treated" with her every day and it drives her passion to help wherever she can. Despite what some might say about small towns, she has chosen to stay here and raise her family and says that her roots run deep and she has a comfort in knowing that her children can grow up in a place where everyone looks out for one another. It's important to her to contribute in any way that she can so that our county can continue to grow, prosper, and remain a safe, supportive place for generations to come. It means to world to her if she can make even one person's day a little better. She loves being able to lighten someone's load, even if it's just in a small way. She says "you never truly know what struggles someone might be carrying silently, and sometimes the simplest act of kindness can completely turn their day around. Regarding her being named a Local Legends she says that she feels incredibly honored and feels a bit undeserving. Tiffany says "there are so many people in our community who give so much of themselves and to be recognized among them is truly humbling. Her message to others "give back to the place and people who helped shape you. Your community is part of your story -- invest in it and help it thrive.
Thank you, Tiffany! You are truly a Local Legend!
June 2025 - Margo Walker
For our June Local Legend, we would like to recognize Margo Walker! Margo was born and raised in War, WV and graduated from Big Creek High School. She has worked as a Postmaster in several communities all over McDowell, including Warriormine, Jolo, Paynesville, and Iaeger. Margo’s desire to give back to the communities grew after seeing a need for service across the county. In 2015, that desire grew to fruition when Margo’s husband, Charlie, founded the Janice Memorial Park in Iaeger. “I have seen with my own eyes what a difference something small can make in a family’s life.” Although the needs can sometimes be great, she loves the way feels in her heart when helping. “Sometimes I do get overwhelmed, but at that very moment, God will send some child to the park and they will look at me and say, ‘I love this place’. I know then, that I am doing good and I feel true joy. It keeps me going!”
Margo says that she supports the communities in McDowell because the county has always been good to her. She believes that although there has been a decline over the years, she feels blessed to be from McDowell and wants to help play a hand in making things better. Margo was shocked when she found out that she was named a Local Legend. She says that she is honored by the nomination. She loves what she does for the community and never expects any type of recognition from it. This award is truly humbling and she is extremely grateful. One piece of advice that Margo would give to those who serve in the community is to never lose sight and give up. “Things may seem impossible but they are not. Do what you can, even if that means something small. Put a can of soup in a Blessing Box, smile at a child, just or pick up a piece of rubbish that you walk by on the street. Everyone has something they can do, small or big. It all matters! I promise, the warmth it gives your heart makes it worth it!”
Thank you, Margo! You truly are a Local Legend!
May 2025 - Danny and Heather Honosky
For the month of May, we decided to honor TWO Local Legends who happen to be married! This month, we would like to recognize Danny and Heather Honosky!
Danny and Heather are lifelong citizens of McDowell County. Growing up as high school sweethearts, they would later wed and choose to raise their two daughters in Iaeger. When it comes to service, Danny attributes his dedication to his upbringing and says that “it just feels like the right thing to do.” For Heather, it’s the smile that grows on someone’s face and the belief in her fellow community members. “I help because I would hope someone would help me if I was in need,” she says.
When asked about the most rewarding part of giving back, Heather acknowledged her grandmother’s passion for helping others and how being an asset to the community is her way of continuing her legacy. For Danny, its seeing the young athletes develop over the course of his time with them that keeps him going. Heather and Danny state that they feel honored to be named Local Legends and be acknowledged for their hard work within the community. It is important for them to give back to the community that helped raise them and where they raise their children now. They love being able to support their community and watching it prosper. One piece of advice that they would like to give regarding community service would be to not worry about the recognition. It’s about the feeling that you get when you know that you’ve helped someone. It’s about the smiles on the kids’ faces.
Thank you, Danny and Heather! You guys are truly Local Legends!
January 2025 - Kelsey Drew Cline
For our January Local Legend, we would like to recognize Kelsey Drew Cline! Kelsey was born and raised in McDowell County and has always felt a deep connection to the place and the community that shaped her. She says that the mountains, the traditions, and the people of McDowell are more than just a backdrop to her life, they are part of who she is. Growing up in McDowell County, Kelsey says that she often heard people say they left because there was “nothing here.” That mindset always stayed with her, not as a criticism, but as a challenge to make a difference. "I feel a deep need to serve this community, to invest in its potential, and to create opportunities that inspire others to stay or give them a reason to return even, if it’s just a short visit to the place that they once called home," she told us. When it came time to raise her own family, staying in McDowell wasn’t just a choice; it was a commitment to ensure that her children grew up surrounded by the same values, strength, and sense of belonging that shaped her. McDowell County is home in every sense of the word.
When asked about why volunteering and supporting the communities in McDowell County are important to her, Kelsey said that it was instilled in her. She comes from a long line of family members who dedicated their time and efforts into serving McDowell County, especially in Iaeger, and feels that their hard work and love for their community has left a lasting legacy. She feels that it is an honor to continue that tradition. Kelsey said "pouring into the place they cherished is my way of not only keeping their memory alive but also building on the foundation they laid to make McDowell County a better place for future generations."
She feels that one of the greatest joys of serving my community is watching others enjoy the activities and events I’ve helped create. She loves seeing families come together, kids laughing, and people making memories. It is those moments that remind her of why she does the work. "My favorite part is scrolling through Facebook after an event and seeing all the photos people share—capturing smiles, moments of fun, and the sense of community that makes McDowell County so special. It’s those images and experiences that make all the effort worthwhile."
When asked about her feelings of being named a Local Legend, she told us that is an incredible honor. "Giving back to the community that has such a large part of my own upbringing has always been close to my heart, and to be recognized for it is both humbling and inspiring. I truly appreciate More Life and those who nominated me and I hope to continue to live up to this honor." She said that if she could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering in McDowell County, it would be to start small, but start with heart. "You don’t have to take on big projects to make a difference, every little effort adds up and inspires others to join in. Focus on what you’re passionate about and how it can benefit the community. The rewards aren’t just in what you accomplish but in the connections that you build and the impact you leave behind."
Thank you, Kelsey! You are truly a Local Legend!
November 2024 - Rebecca Godfrey
For our November Local Legend, we would like to recognize Rebecca Godfrey! Rebecca is a life long resident of McDowell County. She was born and raised in McDowell and says that she has no plans on leaving. She has been described as an asset to her community with a kind heart. Rebecca and her family attend many community activities where they bring various children’s characters to life for the young attendees. She also helps provide free furniture, clothing, food, and other items to others who are in need. For Rebecca, she views being able to volunteer and help within her community as a blessing. “All people need help, even if it’s a small need. Some need a hand up and some just need a person to talk to. You never know when you are the person that makes that important difference in that person’s life.”
Rebecca believes that having close personal relationships with those in need makes serving the community that much more special. She says that “our community and county is full of amazing and loving people that have a love and kindness that you wont find in other areas…we help each other even if no one else will.” Although Rebecca takes on a multitude of projects and sometimes spreads herself thin across her service, she says that seeing the huge smiles and the happiness in each child is what keeps her motivated. Although she provides help to all of those in need, she says that she has a real soft spot for children. “Some kids have a rough life that they never tell anyone about, not even their parents. I know because I was one of those kids. Please always listen to that child’s wants and needs because you may be the one that makes a difference in their life.”
When she was told that she was named a Local Legend, Rebecca said that the honor “warms my heart. I’m thankful, but there are so many more deserving out there.” One piece of advice about serving our communities that she would like to share is that “being nice to others doesn’t cost a dime. People are so quick to judge others, but you never know what that person is going through. Be considerate, even if you don’t agree with what others do or who they are. Please don’t hold back help, especially for a child. You may not like or agree with their family’s choices in life, but the kids can’t help their situation.”
Thank you, Rebecca! You are truly a Local Legend!
October 2024 - Shelia Muncy
For our October Local Legend, we would like to recognize Shelia Muncy! Shelia is a self-described “lifer” of McDowell County, only being gone for three years while her husband was in the US Air Force. She is extremely active in her community through her volunteerism with various organizations and groups, her work through the Bradshaw Town Hall, and by being the Community in School coordinator for Bradshaw Elementary just to name a few. She believes that being active and volunteering benefits her “community and all the special people in McDowell.” She feels that “volunteering is a willingness to give back, and in doing so it makes our community a better place. Volunteering improves our social and relationship skills and gives us a sense of purpose.”
Supporting McDowell County is something that Shelia feels is important because of the negative connotation that the county carries. “Until you have lived here, you will never know that we have the most caring, compassionate thoughtful, helpful, and kind people that you will ever meet. Yes, we struggle, but in McDowell, you aren’t alone. Giving back to the place I call home helps to unite the community, and gives you a sense
of purpose.” By helping others, Shelia hopes to create positivity and kindness that inspires others to do the same and to “pay it forward.”
When she was told that she was named a Local Legend, Shelia said that she was honored, but that she felt that McDowell is “full of numerous well deserving local legends.” One piece of advice about serving our communities that she would like to share is “to not be afraid to serve others and to make a lasting difference and to create a brighter future for those less fortunate, and to improve the quality of life. Always be constant.”
Thank you, Shelia! You are truly a Local Legend!
September 2024 - Dennis Roberts
For our September Local Legends winner, we would like to congratulate Dennis Roberts!
Dennis is a 1984 graduate of Iaeger High School. He has spent most of his life in McDowell County as a coal miner while raising his family here. Growing up, sports would be a good outlet for him. He would go on to excel at basketball in high school. With the way sports had impacted his childhood, Dennis knew that he wanted to give back to the youth in the area. “I enjoy teaching kids the fundamentals, sportsmanship, and helping them learn teamwork. Which will hopefully help them succeed in life later on down the road.”
Aside from leading the Sandy River District Little League, Dennis also spent time as a coach. Not only would he lead players, but he would also ensure that the players had rides and food. He says that he makes sure that the kids are taken care of because he likes helping others. “I enjoy seeing them grow into successful adults who will maybe do the same for others and our community. Ours kids do not have a lot of things to do in our area. I do what I do to give them a place to come make friends. We don’t get a lot help in our area and don’t have the facilities some other places have so I do what I can to help them out.”
Dennis says that seeing kids having fun, becoming better athletes, and learning new skills makes it all worthwhile for him. Many of Dennis’s former players have returned to volunteer in their communities and coach as well.
When presented with the news of being named a Local Legend, Dennis said that he is “very honored and humbled. It makes me happy to know that it does not go unnoticed and it is appreciated. Makes me proud to be from McDowell County.” He encourages everyone to volunteer when you can. No matter how small or big it may be. “You will get more than you could ever imagine from it. If we don’t help and volunteer for our kids then who will? They are our most precious things and our future!”
Congrats, Dennis! You are truly a Local Legend!
August 2024 - Jason and Tiffany England
For our first Local Legends, we’d like to recognize Tiffany and Jason England!
Tiffany grew up in Panther while Jason grew up in Sandy Huff. They started dating while attending Iaeger High School. McDowell County is where they met, fell in love, and got baptized. It’s also where they bring their children back to enjoy its beauty and family feeling.
They said “Supporting McDowell County is something that was instilled in the two of us from our parents and grandparents. Both of our families were very involved in the community in several different ways such as owning businesses in McDowell, being involved in the school systems as teachers, coaches, and other personnel, and being involved in so many community programs.” Growing up the couple was proud to be a big part of the community and they have created that same appreciation for McDowell County in their children, Cutler and Harper. They’ve spent most of their adult life giving back to several organizations in McDowell County and will forever be involved in building up the county that they love.
The couple chooses to volunteer because of their faith. Tiffany said “the Bible says to be devoted to one another in love and use whatever gifts you have to serve others. We try to live our lives to show God’s grace and mercy. Nothing is more important than devoting your time to helping someone in need, whether it be an individual or an organization. When we help others, there’s also a sense of fulfillment. To us, it’s so important to follow what God calls us to do for one, but also to help someone who maybe cannot find it anywhere else. To be a light to just one person so that they may see Jesus through you is fulfillment to us.”
When the couple was told that they would be our inaugural Local Legends, they stated that they felt “undeserving, but so incredibly proud and humbled by this recognition. The More LIFE Foundation was immediately an organization that we were proud of. The children of McDowell County deserve the same opportunities as anyone else in the state. There is a great need for leadership and encouragement in all youth today…”
One piece of advice about serving our communities that they would like to share is “to give back with a big heart! At one time, someone volunteered for something that helped mold and shape you, so now it’s your turn. Show up and be ready to put in time, love, even some dollars. You will never regret a decision to help others and grow the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s a reward that you want to earn!”
Thank you, Tiff and Jay! You guys are truly Local Legends!
