Kevin Hardbarger and Michael Tucker from Calhoun Middle School traveled to Charleston this week to be inducted as Sir Knights of the Golden Horseshoe.

Eighth graders across the state participate annually in the spring event. Every county is represented in a ceremony at the State Capital in Charleston.

CMS Knights or Ladies finalists for the event were Michael Tucker, Kevin Harbarger, Quentin Murphy, Ashley Houchin, Erik Johnson, Jordan Panarello, Christopher Cunningham, Tyler Bennett, Joshua Summers, Dillon Richards, Stewart Fitzwater, and Caden Arnold.

The Golden Horseshoe Program is the culmination of the study of West Virginia. It includes a study of citizenship, government, economics, geography, history, current events and the arts.

The Golden Horseshoe concept originated in the eighteenth century in colonial Virginia. Alexander Spotswood, the governor of Virginia, saw the need for exploration of the land west of the Allegheny Mountains. He presented his party of 50 explorers with a small golden horseshoe to commemorate the venture across the mountains.

The awarding of a golden horseshoe pin to the students honored today is in recognition of their crossing the mountains of learning and knowledge on the road to becoming good West Virginia citizens.

REGIONAL RECIPIENTS

BRAXTON

Emily Backus

Tyler Carr

Katie Elizabeth Rollins

CLAY

Carli Caldwell

Brandon Cole

Leah Grose

GILMER

Jacqueline Moore

Kelsey Jo Parker

RITCHIE

Bronson Clark

Matthew Holleron

David Dwight Hufford

ROANE

Amber Drake

Tyrell Lee Frame

Heather White

WIRT

Kelley Bunner

TylerAnn Marine Jones

Courtesy of Calhoun Middle School