CHARLESTON -- On Friday, May 9, more than 200 West Virginia eighth graders will become the latest recipients of the prestigious Golden Horseshoe Award, given annually for outstanding knowledge of West Virginia history and culture.
State Superintendent Steven Paine will induct the students from all 55 counties as Knights and Ladies of the Golden Horseshoe Society during a pinning ceremony at the Cultural Center in Charleston.
"This award is coveted by many in the state but received by very few," Paine said. "It is an honor that rewards students' appreciation for and understanding of West Virginia and its people."
The Golden Horseshoe originated in the early 1700s in Virginia when then-Governor 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 to explore the frontier," said West Virginia Department of Education Social Studies Coordinator Regina Scotchie. "At the end of the exploration, he presented each member of the party with a golden horseshoe."
Translated from Latin, the inscription on each horseshoe read, "Thus it was decided to cross the mountains." On the other side was written, "Order of the Golden Horseshoe." Recipients of the award have been known since as The Knights and Ladies of the Golden Horseshoe.
The Golden Horseshoe Test has been administered in West Virginia each year since 1931 and is the longest running program of its kind in the United States. The exam tests student knowledge on West Virginia citizenship, civics and government, economics, geography, history and current events.
Decades later, the Golden Horseshoe test remains as important as ever as West Virginia moves forward with its 21st Century Learning initiative, and an understanding of history as well as civics and government, economics, geography and current events are important elements.
"Students must be able to comprehend, problem solve and communicate solutions if they are expected to collaborate globally," Paine said.
The globalization phenomenon in the 21st century has changed the way West Virginia and other states must think about educating their children. Scientific discoveries, sophisticated communication technologies and the rising economic influence of China, India and eastern Europe over the last 30 years have produced a new world.
"Globalization is no ordinary force, and this is no ordinary time," Paine said. "We must continue to teach the basics but students also must develop the skills for lifelong learning and learn to get along in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world."
The 21st century model assures West Virginia students will have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and prosper in today's global society. And while understanding the greater global society is important, a fear remains that globalization will remove the inherited cultures throughout the world, including the Appalachian culture.
"Studying West Virginia history helps students understand their roots and their role in the world," Scotchie said. "If we don't study where we've been and the mistakes our leaders have made, we are destined to repeat them."
Paine said it would be a short-sighted for West Virginia to ignore what is happening in the rest of the world if it hopes to prosper in the 21st century.
"We in West Virginia have been strengthened by our rugged terrain and we have become resilient from the tribulations experienced by our people," Paine said. "We have embraced this rich history, learned from our mistakes and designed what I believe will become a model 21st century school system."
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