Parkersburg, WV — Wood County Schools recently honored a group of outstanding middle and high school students for their academic success in West Virginia history and their achievements in career and technical education through SkillsUSA, showcasing the district’s strong culture of excellence and student achievement.
Golden Horseshoe Honorees Recognized
During the event, Ashlee Beatty highlighted the significance of the Golden Horseshoe Award, a prestigious statewide honor recognizing eighth-grade students who demonstrate exceptional knowledge of West Virginia history.
“This is a statewide recognition for academic achievement,” Beatty said. “Each year, approximately 22,000 eighth-grade students study a comprehensive curriculum covering the history, geography, economy, and government of the Mountain State.”
This year, just under 800 students across the county completed the challenging Golden Horseshoe examination. Wood County recognized its top seven performers, all of whom will be formally “knighted” at the official ceremony in June — a long-standing tradition in the state.
“We’re incredibly proud of them,” Beatty said. “It’s very stiff competition, and we have pretty fantastic students here.”
The honored students include:
Riley VanFossen, Jackson Middle School
Addison Thorpe, Jackson Middle School
Tahitoa Makua, Edison Middle School
Zander Duncan, Edison Middle School
Lila Jenkins, Jackson Middle School
Bristol Florence, Edison Middle School
Madeline Wheeler, Blennerhassett Middle School (not present)
Beatty also recognized Layla Marlow, a longtime West Virginia history teacher in Wood County Schools, for her continued impact on student success.
“She’s a staple in West Virginia history education here,” Beatty said. “Her students consistently excel, and we’re grateful for her dedication.”
SkillsUSA Students Shine at State Level
Dr. Hughes presented honors for students who competed in SkillsUSA, a statewide and national organization that allows students to test their technical and career skills in competitive environments.
Before announcing student winners, Dr. Hughes acknowledged the teachers who serve as advisors and mentors.
“These teachers go above and beyond, helping students prepare to compete against the very best across the state,” Hughes said.
SkillsUSA competitions include a wide range of career pathways, from cosmetology and electrical work to criminal justice and automotive technology. Only the top three students or teams in each category earn medals, making recognition especially meaningful.
Bronze Medalists
David Monroe, Basic Residential Wiring
Peyton Moon, Beginner Cosmetology
Regan Angle, Cosmetology
Silver Medalists
Cameron Wright, Automotive Tool Identification
Madison Trent, Cosmetology
Gold Medalists
Layla Hill, Beginner Cosmetology
Gold Medal Winning Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl Members:
Gavin Martin
Sarah Barton
Gabriella McGrew
Taylor Melvin
Mallory Hannah
A Special Achievement: National Competition Bound
Among the evening’s highlights was recognition of Ty Rhodes, who earned a gold medal in Industrial Motor Control and will advance to the national SkillsUSA competition next month in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Hughes shared a unique and inspiring story behind Rhodes’ journey. Nationals can be expensive, and Rhodes’ teacher, Mr. Holbert, challenged him to help raise the necessary funds. As extra motivation, Holbert promised to shave off his beard — which he had been growing for more than 1,450 days — if Rhodes succeeded.
Rhodes met the challenge with determination and support from his community, successfully raising the funds needed for the trip.
“At our end-of-year extravaganza, that beard got shaved,” Hughes said with a smile. “You may not recognize Mr. Holbert now.”
Hughes praised both student and teacher for their dedication.
“That’s going above and beyond,” he said. “It’s a big sacrifice, but it shows the lengths our teachers will go to motivate and support their students.”
A Community of Support and Achievement
The recognition served as a testament to the hard work of students and the commitment of educators throughout Wood County Schools. From academic excellence in West Virginia history to high-level performance in career and technical competitions, students demonstrated both knowledge and practical skill.
“Our teachers give everything they have to their students,” Hughes said. “And our students continue to rise to the challenge.”
As Golden Horseshoe recipients prepare for their knighting ceremony and Ty Rhodes heads to the national stage, Wood County Schools continues to celebrate a year filled with achievement, perseverance, and pride.