Three “Knights of the Golden Horseshoe” were recognized by the Hancock County Board of Education at Monday, May 12th’s meeting. Camden Firman and Amelia Kampmeyer from Oak Glen Middle School and Julian Williams from Weir Middle School were 8th grade winners in the Golden Horseshoe contest which tests students on their knowledge of the State of West Virginia.
The three from Hancock County joined winners from West Virginia’s 55 counties, one from West Virginia Charter School and one from the School for the Deaf & Blind in Charleston in a ceremony at the State Capital to become Knights of the Golden Horseshoe and receive their Golden Horseshoe pin.
The first “Knights of the Golden Horseshoe” were inducted in 1931, but the tradition dates far earlier. In 1716, the Governor of Virginia, felt the land west of the Allegheny Mountains needed to be explored. He challenged 50 men with a Latin phrase which translated means “Thus he means to cross the mountains.” When the men returned he presented each a small golden horseshoe pen.
in 1929, the editor of the WV Review approached the State Superintendent of Schools to revitalize the tradition. In 1931, 87 students were “knighted” for their knowledge of West Virginia geography, history, economy and government.
The program has continued since that time with 110 students being honored in this years class.
The Board enjoyed presentations from Oak Glen High and Weir High’s Musical Theatre Departments. Oak Glen performed a musical number from “Into the Woods” while Weir High performed a musical number from “Mean Girls Jr.”
In other business:
**Superintendent Enich said there had been a water break in Chester today causing Allison Elementary to be without water. He thanked the Chester VFD for their assistance and praised the efforts of all involved;
**Enich reported May 16th will be the last day of school for seniors. He urged the seniors to celebrate safely and make sure nothing goes awry that could result in them not walking with their graduating class;
**The resignation of Olivia Miller, kindergarten teacher at Weirton Elementary, was accepted;
**The assignment of Mitch Wilson as Oak Glen Middle Assistant Football Coach was approved;
**The resignation of James Barr and Paul Devore as bus drivers was accepted;
**Dock days were approved for Deana Maine, Supervisory Aide/ECCAT, Weirton Elementary, and Haley Davis, secretary, Weirton Elementary.
**Rick Coen was approved as substitute custodian;
**The following substitute classified employees were approved for administrative release: Donna Gialuco, substitute aide; Shana Adams, substitute aide; Abigail Roberts, substitute aide; Sophia Akis, substitute bus operator; Christina Bucklew, substitute cook; Teyona Jones, substitute cook; and Timothy Derby, substitute custodian.
**The resignation of David DeFelice, asst. wrestling coach was accepted;
**Permission was granted Weir High School participating CTE (ECCAT) students traveling to Orlando, Fla. for the Educators Rising National Competition from June 25 to June 29;
**The Board will meet again on Tuesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. for a Budget Hearing with the regular meeting to commence at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are at the JDRIV Career Center.
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