The West Virginia House of Delegates presented a legislative citation Monday to State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Martirano, recognizing the longstanding Golden Horseshoe program which promotes and honors the study of West Virginia history.
The citation states the Golden Horseshoe award is “probably the most coveted award bestowed upon West Virginia students each year” and notes the test has been administered since 1931, making it the longest-running program of its kind in any state.
Past recipients of the Golden Horseshoe award presented the citation including House Speaker Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha and Delegates Ray Canterbury, R-Greenbrier; Paul Espinosa, R-Jefferson; Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay; John D. O’Neal IV, R-Raleigh; Matthew Rohrbach R-Cabell; and Larry L. Rowe, D-Kanawha.
Dr. Martirano was joined by two West Virginia history teachers, Paula Meadows from Sherman Junior High in Boone County and Jessica Abshire from Andrew Jackson Middle School in Kanawha County. Meadows has taught several Golden Horseshoe winners within the last several years and Abshire won the Golden Horseshoe award before going on to teach West Virginia studies.
“The Golden Horseshoe is a highly coveted award received by citizens from all walks of life including state Supreme Court justices, legislators, attorneys, business leaders and educators,” Martirano said. “I appreciate our lawmakers recognizing a program that has made West Virginians proud for decades.”
Known as a symbol of scholastic achievement to honor students who excel in the study of West Virginia, the Golden Horseshoe award is presented to approximately 221 eighth-grade students each year. Students are engaged in an intense study of history, geography, economy and government of the Mountain State. The primary goal of the program is to promote pride in the state, develop intellectual and participatory skills and foster attitudes that are necessary for students to participate as effective, involved and responsible citizens.
