WEST VIRGINIA'S GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Lots of folks are amazed, and delighted, by the enormous audiences which tune in when a West Virginia basketball or football game is aired on network television. How can such a small state wield such fan interest and enthusiasm you may well ask. Possibly, the immense popularity of John Denvers’ recording of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" (another story) has something to do with it. But also, I think, the Golden Horseshoe inspires every native West Virginia wherever they may now be living. Allow me to explain:

In 1716 Alexander Spotswood, lieutenant governor of Virginia, sponsored an expedition across the Blue Ridge mountains into what is now West Virginia. The purpose of this excursion was purely business to generate interest in the natural resources of the future state. To celebrate the successful journey, Spotswood had a golden horseshoe made and presented to each of the participants.

The West Virginia Golden Horseshoe program began in 1929 when historian Phil Conley proposed the creation of West Virginia Clubs, designed to inspire pride in the Mountain State. In 1931, the first Golden Horseshoe test was given and resulted in the awarding of pins to 87 8^th grade students throughout the state. These scholars were dubbed Knights and Ladies of the Golden Horseshoe and the tradition was born. Every year, all 8^th grade students are required to take two full semesters of West Virginia state history. The student scoring highest in each school on the final exam is awarded not only a miniature golden horseshoe pin but also a trip to Charleston, the state capitol. There the winning scholars are welcomed into the very exclusive Golden Horseshoe Society by the governor.

This year, on June 18^th, Governor and Mrs. Joe Manchin are welcoming former winners to Charleston in a reunion celebration. Nearly 1,000 participants are expected to attend. Since 1931, more than 15,000 West Virginia students have received the Golden Horseshoe Award in recognition of their hard work and knowledge of the state’s history. So, although many young adults may leave the state for economic reasons, they carry with them the history of the Mountain State whose motto is ‘Mountaineers Are Always Freemen.’

Yes, I was a winner in May of 1943. However, this being a war year there was gas rationing and so our Charleston trip was cancelled. So I have my reservation and will make the long delayed journey to Charleston to finally be proudly knighted by the governor in a special ceremony for those students who forfeited the trip during WW II. "Country roads take me home, to the place I belong, West Virginia...."