Going for Gold

West Virginia's roots run deep. For nearly 162 years, the Mountain State has been at the center of many historical events that are still talked about today.

The implications of the five events mentioned above were felt around the country, and they only make up a small piece in West Virginia's story.

West Virginia Studies

Covering 160+ years of important moments, key figures, and the rugged landscape that shaped West Virginia is more challenging that finding a cell phone signal in Green Bank. But every year, 8th grade students in West Virginia take the challenge head on in their West Virginia Studies class.

In addition to studying historical events, students also learn about the state's geography, economy, and government. The class culminates with a state-wide test called the Golden Horseshoe, which is meant to demonstrate the student's overall knowledge of West Virginia.

2025 Kanawha County Schools Golden Horseshoe Winners

Aarika Call	Andrew Jackson Middle School
Samuel Bleigh	Andrew Jackson Middle School
Aubrey Kinkade	Andrew Jackson Middle School
Eden Hruschka	Bible Center School
Elayna Wills	East Bank Middle School
Ava Williams	East Bank Middle School

list of students who won the 2025 golden horseshoe

Ruby Suchy	Hayes Middle School
Manaal Yousaf	John Adams Middle School
Charvitha Sanjaya	John Adams Middle School
Ella Krason	John Adams Middle School
Braxton Ferro	McKinley Middle School
Samuel Hudson	South Charleston Middle School
Adrianna Carter	West Side Middle School

Knights of the Golden Horseshoe

Students who win the Golden Horseshoe demonstrate a deep understanding of West Virginia history by earning the highest scores in their school and county wide test and made top scores on the West Virginia Department of Education assessment.

These students earn the title Knight of the Golden Horseshoe at the annual Knighting Ceremony. Each student receives a golden horseshoe pin, a certificate from the West Virginia Historical Education Foundation, a certificate from the state, a picture of the group with the governor, and a picture of his or her individual knighting.

Class of 2024-2025

Congratulations to all of the KCS students who earned the title of Golden Horseshoe winner. Your names will now be in a part of the rich history of West Virginia!

Hayes Middle

13 KCS Students Earn Golden Honors