Aislin Summers, of Orma, WV, is the daughter of Michael (Mike) and Connie Summers. She has been accepted to Glenville State University and Fairmont State University. She plans to major in Biology with a minor in Business. She loves to sing bluegrass music and continuing her work in ministry. Her high school activities include: Band (2019-2021), Choir (2021), Track and Field (2019-2022), STARS (2018-2023), FFA (2019-2022), and 4-H (2022). Academic honors include: Social Studies Fair 1st Place-Freshman, Governor’s School for the Arts, HOBY, HOBY Academic Allstar Award, and National Honor Society for High School Scholars. In five years, Aislin hopes to be in her first year of medical school on her way to becoming a Pediatrician.
Joshua Hixon, of Big Bend, WV, is the son of Elvin and Melissa Hixon. He has been accepted to West Virginia University-Parkersburg, where he intends to major in Applied Science in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Network Administration. He has been awarded the Promise Scholarship. In high school Josh participated in Learn and Earn to familiarize himself further in his career path. He was a member of the cross country and track and field teams. He was also in concert band and choir. Academic honors include: Perfect Attendance, Math Field Day Honorable Mention-9th grade, National Technical Honor Society, and CTE Honors. He enjoys running, fixing computers, working on the farm, playing Dance Dance Revolution, and working on cars. His 5-year plan is to get his degree, then get a job in the Morgantown or Parkersburg area as a Network Administrator.
Brooklyn Harris, of Mt. Zion, WV, is the daughter of Jason and Jessica Harris. She has been accepted to the University of Cumberland-online and intends to earn her Certified Nursing Assistant certification. In high school, she participated in cheerleading. Her post-graduation plan is to work.
Madison Westfall, of Orma, WV, is the daughter of Derek Westfall and Miranda Shartiger. She has been accepted to Charleston School of Beauty. She has been a member of the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams. She has been inducted into Mu Alpha Theta.
Brooklyn Swisher, of Rosedale, WV, is the daughter of Brian Burns and Rebecca Swisher. She has been accepted to Marshall University, Marietta College, and Glenville State University. She plans to major in Criminal Investigations with a minor in Psychology. She has earned CPR and OSHA certifications. She has competed at the Technology Student Association (TSA) competition. Her academic honors include: Honor Roll and National Technical Honor Society. During high school she has been a member of the softball team and theatre. Following graduation, Brooklyn’s goal is to help those in need and create a safer environment for everyone in the U.S. and wherever she ends up during her lifetime. Her 5-year plan is to graduate from college and secure steady employment in criminal investigations.
Kason Hupp, of Grantsville, WV, is the son of Doyle and Shirley Hupp. He has been accepted to Glenville State University where he plans to major in Athletic Conditioning and Coaching. He has been a member of the varsity golf and track and field teams. His academic honors include: National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Honor Roll. His 5-year plan is to earn a Bachelor's Degree and then obtain employment as an athletic coach at the high school or college level.
Elijah Dickey, of Chloe, WV, is the son of David and Cathy Dickey. He has been accepted to WV Wesleyan University, Full Sail University, and Davis & Elkins College. He intends to major in Theatre and Film. He is the recipient of the Creative Minds Scholarship. During high school he has been involved in Theatre, Band Roadie, and Performing Arts Spectacular Master of Ceremonies. His academic honors include: Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society.
Lacy Jo Hicks, of Chloe, WV, is the daughter of Scott and Amanda Hicks. She has been accepted to Glenville State University, Marshall University, and Fairmont State University. She plans to attend Glenville State University and major in Nursing. She is the recipient of the Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia Scholarship. Her academic honors include: Highest Honor Graduate, WV-Mat Academic All-State Team member, Lindsey Mann Achievement Award recipient, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, and Moving Onward and Upward (MOU). She was a member of the cross country, track and field, and cheerleading teams. She was on the Honor Roll all four years of high school. Her plans after college are to become a flight nurse.
Levi Morris, of Grantsville, WV, is the son of Dan and Amanda Morris. He has been accepted and plans to attend West Virginia University majoring in Engineering. He has been awarded the Promise Scholarship, the Robin Ames Memorial Scholarship, WVU Scholarship of Distinction, WVU Engineering Scholarship of Distinction, and WVSSAC Scholarship. Academic honors include: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, AC Energy and Power completer, 2-year LKC Scholar Athlete, Trig Star competition-2nd Place, and Senior Class Representative. He was a member of the varsity cross country, baseball, and basketball teams. Levi enjoys the outdoors, especially fishing and riding dirt bikes. He loves sports and reading. During high school Levi completed dual enrollment courses through Glenville State University.
Haley Jones, of Big Springs, WV, is the daughter of Billy Jones and Angela Powell. She has been accepted to West Virginia University, Glenville State University, and Marshall University. She plans to major in Dental Hygiene at WVU. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society. Following graduation, Haley plans to reside in Morgantown, WV.
Jordan Collins, of Grantsville, WV, is the son of Gary and Marjorie Collins. He has been accepted to Glenville State University and Marietta College. He intends to major in Forestry and minor in Natural Resources. His high school activities include playing football for two years and wrestling for one year. He is a member of National Honor Society.
Mickaylee Cowan, of Grantsville, WV, is the daughter of Mike Cowan and Samantha Poling. She has been accepted to Glenville State University, Marshall University, Fairmont State University, and West Virginia University-Parkersburg. Throughout high school, she has participated in marching band, color guard, theatre, Showgirls, and dance team. Following graduation, she plans to attend school to become a full-time Aesthetician. Her 5-year plan is to move to a different state and open her own business.
Ian David Persinger, of Chloe, WV, is the son of John and Alisha Persinger. He has been accepted to Glenville State University and Marshall University. He plans to major in Exercise Science. Ian has been a member of the football, wrestling, basketball, and baseball teams. His honors include: All-LKC Honorable Mention for catching and utility-baseball I 2021-2022 season, 2X AA/A wrestling Region IV state qualifier, WV-Mat Academic All-State Team member, and 2X Bob Bailess/Vearl Haynes Award recipient. Ian’s 5-year plan includes getting a job to support himself, obtaining a four-year degree, and starting a career that he loves soon after.
Marlee Hall, of Mt. Zion, WV, is a daughter of Roger and Cathy Hall. She has been accepted to West Virginia University and Glenville State University. She plans to attend GSU and major in business. Her goal is to create a business of her own. She has been a Social Studies Fair-County Winner, Math Field Day-County Winner, National History Day participant, and Trig Star participant. She was a member of the volleyball, softball, cheer, and track and field teams. She was also a member of Calhoun Cabaret. Her academic honors include: Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, AC Energy and Power CTE Completer, and Highest Honor Graduate. Marlee loves creating art of many kinds, including singing and would love to continue that later in life. Her biggest goal is to explore and travel the world.
Cody Nicholas, of Orma, WV, is the son of Alicia Nicholas. Cody is a member of the varsity baseball team. His academic honors include being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Following graduation, he plans to work for a living and his 5-year plan includes traveling with his family.
Christeena Craddock, of Orma, WV, is the daughter of Craig and Cathy Craddock. She has been accepted to Pierpont Community and Technical College and Salem University and plans to major in Emergency Medical Services. She has been awarded a $14,000 athletic scholarship. During high school she has been a member of the varsity volleyball, track and field, and cheer teams. She is an EMT student and will complete her certification exam following graduation. She was Class Historian and Student Council Representative-Freshman, Class Treasurer and Student Council Representative-Junior, Homecoming Princess-Senior, and Prom Queen-Senior. Her academic honors include: Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. Christee’s 5-year plan is to be an EMT, followed by becoming a paramedic and working as a flight paramedic.
Zenna Zwoll, of Orma, WV, is the daughter of Marlan and Kelli Zwoll. She is Senior Class President. She has been accepted to Glenville State University and Marshall University. She has been awarded the Promise Scholarship. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society (Officer-VP), Spanish Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. She is a member of the track and field team. She has been a member of the band for many years. She earned the honor of leading the marching band as drum major for the past two seasons. She has also been a member of BCM and 4-H. She plans to attend Marshall University, majoring in nursing. Zenna’s 5-year plan is to return to Calhoun County to work as a nurse specializing in wound care.
Hunter Thacker, of Orma, WV, is the son of Kari Jarvis. He has been accepted to BridgeValley Community and Technical College. During high school, Hunter was a member of the varsity football, wrestling, and baseball teams. He enjoys fishing and hunting. Hunter’s career plan is to pursue a career as a lineman.
Calhoun County Schools received a $20,000 grant from the Sisters Health Foundation to provide tobacco prevention/intervention and mental health awareness & wellness: Train Your Brain; Help, Hope, Live in Calhoun for students through a brokered partnership with Westbrook, Minnie Hamilton Health Systems, Communities in Schools, 21st Century Learning and the Brother Up Foundation. We appreciate the additional support to continue our focus of help by creating a framework for connectedness and improvement in the lives of our students and families.
Calhoun County Schools and the West Virginia Department of Education is honored to announce the 2023 Golden Horseshoe winners for Calhoun County.
Cooper Morris & Orion Swearingen
Since 1931, students have been honored as knights of the Golden Horseshoe having demonstrated exceptional knowledge of West Virginia history on the state administered exam. This year, 226 winners will join the ranks of WV citizens who have won this prestigious award. Your county winners will have an opportunity to be recognized at our Golden Horseshoe ceremony on June 13, 2023 at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, WV.
