Wyatt Kuncl, an eighth grader at The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, was knighted during the 2024 Golden Horseshoe ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, WV. The prestigious event, held annually, celebrates academic excellence and West Virginia history, honoring students who demonstrate exceptional knowledge and achievements.
The Golden Horseshoe Award is one of the oldest and most distinguished awards in West Virginia. Established in 1931, the award recognizes eighth-grade students for their outstanding knowledge of West Virginia history and culture. The tradition of the Golden Horseshoe dates back to the 1716 expedition led by Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia. To commemorate their journey across the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spotswood presented his fellow explorers with small golden horseshoes.
The modern-day Golden Horseshoe Award ceremony continues this tradition by "knighting" students who excel in their understanding of the state’s heritage. The selection process includes a rigorous exam covering various aspects of West Virginia’s history, geography, and government. Those who achieve the highest scores are invited to the state capital to be honored in a formal ceremony, where they are named "Ladies" or "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe."
Wyatt Kuncl's achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Being knighted as a Golden Horseshoe recipient places him among the distinguished ranks of students who have shown a profound understanding and appreciation of West Virginia's rich history.