Submitted By Family
Calhoun Middle High School students, Ricky Lee Hall, Jr. and Kenadee Anne Taylor are the 2009 recipients of the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award.
One of the highlights of the eighth-grade school year is the opportunity for a student to become a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe. This prestigious program takes its name from the golden horseshoes given to the early explorers of West Virginia.
Detail of pin given to students
The Golden Horseshoe became known as a symbol of scholastic achievement to honor students who excel in the study of West Virginia. The pin each Knight and Lady receives, symbolizes the student's knowledge and understanding of their state's proud heritage.
In 1716 the Governor of the Virginia colony, Alexander Spotswood, saw the need for exploration of the land west of the Allegheny Mountains, most of which is now West Virginia. The governor organized a party of about 50 men, all of whom adopted the pledge, "Sic jurat transcendere monte," which means "Thus he swears to cross the mountains."
Governor Spotswood presented each member of his party with a small golden horseshoe to commemorate the bravery of those who crossed the mountains into Western Virginia, beginning the Golden Horseshoe tradition.
Ricky is the son of Ricky L. Sr. and Patricia Hall of Arnoldsburg and grandson of Debrah Marks of Millstone and Ollidene Hall of Arnoldsburg.
Kenadee is the daughter of Greg Taylor of Big Springs and Ryka Ward of Munday, and granddaughter of Frances Adwell and Ronnie Ward of Grantsville and Darla Taylor of Big Springs.
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