By Sarah Richardson
Four Greenbrier County students have earned one of West Virginia’s highest academic distinctions for middle school students, joining a tradition that spans nearly a century.
James Godby of Eastern Greenbrier Middle School and Tayton Martin, Myllieraye Waid and Eli Redden of Western Greenbrier Middle School were named recipients of the 2026 Golden Horseshoe Award, recognizing their outstanding achievement in the study of West Virginia history.
The West Virginia Department of Education recognized the students as part of the 95th class of Golden Horseshoe winners. A total of 225 students from across the state were inducted into the Order of the Golden Horseshoe during ceremonies held June 9 at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
The Golden Horseshoe Award has been presented since 1931 and recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding knowledge of West Virginia history through the annual Golden Horseshoe examination. It is considered the state’s highest honor for eighth-grade students studying West Virginia history.
Each year, approximately 22,000 students take West Virginia Studies courses covering the state’s history, geography, government and economy. Award recipients are selected based on their performance in the subject.
Students receiving the honor are inducted into the Golden Horseshoe Society during the Charleston ceremony. During the event, the State Superintendent of Schools formally recognizes each student and presents them with a Golden Horseshoe pin.
The award’s name comes from an expedition led in 1716 by Alexander Spotswood, governor of the Virginia Colony. After a group of explorers crossed the Allegheny Mountains into what is now West Virginia, Spotswood presented them with small golden horseshoes to recognize the accomplishment.
The modern Golden Horseshoe program was established in 1931 after West Virginia educators and state leaders developed a statewide initiative to encourage the study of West Virginia history. The first ceremony honored 87 students from 46 counties.
Since then, approximately 15,000 students have been inducted into the Golden Horseshoe Society.
The 2026 ceremony also marked the 310th anniversary of Spotswood’s expedition, which inspired the award’s name and tradition.
