CHARLESTON, WV -- Six Jefferson County Schools eighth graders were among 226 students statewide recognized as Knights of the Golden Horseshoe at a June 13 induction ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) inducted the students as part of the 307th anniversary of the Golden Horseshoe legacy, recognizing them for their knowledge of West Virginia history. The exam focuses on Mountain State topics, including civics, government, geography, and culture.
The following JCS students were named 2023 Knights of the Golden Horseshoe:
- Ivy Day, Charles Town Middle School (pictured above)
- Megan Caltrider, Charles Town Middle School (pictured above)
- Ava Brenneke, Charles Town Middle School (pictured above)
- Jacob Yohler, Harpers Ferry Middle School
- Evelyn Bailey, Shepherdstown Middle School
- Zoe Harper, Wildwood Middle School
The Knights of the Golden Horseshoe legacy dates back to 1716 when Governor of the Virginia Colony Alexander Spotswood organized and recognized a delegation of men who explored the land west of the Allegheny Mountains (most of which is now West Virginia). He presented each man with a small golden horseshoe to commemorate their bravery in crossing the mountain. It remains the longest-running program of its kind in the country, with annual state recognitions dating back to 1931.
“These Golden Horseshoe winners have demonstrated strong character, a thirst for knowledge, and exemplary pride in order to achieve this distinction today,” said Superintendent of Schools David L. Roach. “With this induction, they continue a legacy of excellence in education that gives them the opportunity to be ambassadors of the Mountain State.”
View a complete list of inductees and learn more about the Golden Horseshoe program on the WVDE website.