Anderson, Osborns named Campbell County Volunteers of the Year
CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- Each year, Volunteer Tennessee honors outstanding community servants from across the state through the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards. Now in its sixth year in Campbell County, the program recognizes local individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to volunteerism and community service. This year, Kiren Anderson has been selected as Youth Volunteer of the Year, while Brian and Kristy Osborn have been jointly named Adult Volunteers of the Year, marking the first time a couple has received the adult recognition together in Campbell County.
Kiren Anderson, a senior at Campbell County High School, was selected for his dedication to community service, civic engagement, and student leadership. Anderson serves as a Junior Board of Education Representative and has volunteered in several county government offices, including the Mayor’s Office, County Clerk’s Office, Register of Deeds Office, and District Attorney Jared Effler’s office. His community involvement includes volunteering at veterans’ breakfasts, middle school basketball games, the Louie Bluie Festival, and the Rabbit Run. Anderson has also demonstrated a strong interest in public service through his involvement in political campaigns, including knocking on more than 800 doors during a state legislative campaign. He remains active in his church, Hope and Stand in Jacksboro, participating in service projects and community outreach throughout the year. Prior youth recipients include Sam Sexton, Mary Grace Myers, Landyn Ford, Bella Fleming, and Isaac Jones.
Brian and Kristy Osborn were selected for their commitment to community service, disability advocacy, and creating a more inclusive Campbell County. Brian serves as Jail Administrator for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, while Kristy is an independent hairstylist. Together, they are best known for their family’s creation of Down Set Dash, an annual 5K Run & Walk established five years ago to promote Down syndrome awareness, acceptance, inclusion, and advocacy. Inspired by their son Neyland, who has Down syndrome, the event has grown into a community wide effort bringing together families, schools, businesses, churches, first responders, and volunteers. Through sponsorships and community partnerships, the event supports causes including an all-inclusive playground and the local Special Olympics program.
The Osborns have made community involvement a family mission, instilling the importance of service in their three children. Their daughter, Preslee Chapman, is a senior at Campbell County High School, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA while participating in basketball and other extracurricular activities. Their son Neyland, a sixth-grade student at Jacksboro Middle School, has participated in Special Olympics, earning a gold medal in track. Their son Nash, also a sixth grader at Jacksboro Middle School, is an A/B Honor Roll student who enjoys music and creativity. Beyond Down Set Dash, the family remains active in church and youth ministry, local athletics, and supporting area schools. Their guiding message, “Love, Support, & Advocate,” reflects their belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, belong, and be celebrated. Prior adult recipients include Glennis Monday, Brandon Johnson, Bill Thompson, Patricia Siwinski, and Walt Buttrill.
“Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State, and Campbell County continues to demonstrate why,” said Brandon Johnson, Chairman of the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award Program. “Kiren is an outstanding example of a young person who understands the importance of getting involved and giving back to his community. Brian and Kristy have taken something deeply personal to their family and turned it into an effort that brings our entire community together. Their dedication to inclusion, service, and teaching their children the value of helping others is truly inspiring. We are proud to recognize these deserving individuals.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/10/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITED)
