The Explore the New Manufacturing program announced today that Kai Smith has been recognized with an Emerging Elite in Manufacturing award.  A senior, Kai attends Oak Hill High School and Fayette Institute of Technology, where he concentrates on his studies in pre-engineering and machine tool technology courses.  Kai will receive a $500 award designated for scholarships, certification fees, or specialty equipment. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

“Kai is an astounding engineer in the making. He is a very attentive and hardworking student who plays a vital role in our simulated workplace as the project manager, which is the lead advisor on all class projects,” stated Scott McDaniel, an instructor at Fayette Institute of Technology. “Kai demonstrates superior problem-solving skills which helps him excel in classwork and projects within this program.”

The Explore the New Manufacturing program announced today that Allison Turner has been recognized with an Emerging Elite in Manufacturing award.  A junior, Allison attends Montcalm High School and Mercer County Technical Education Center where she concentrates her studies on robotics and Project Lead the Way pre-engineering courses. Allison will receive a $500 award designated for scholarships, certification fees, or specialty equipment. She will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

The Explore the New Manufacturing program announced today that Barry Jones has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award. Jones, a Project Lead the Way engineering and robotics instructor, is employed at the Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC). He will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

Mr. Jones works tirelessly with his students to ensure that they are given opportunities to experience real-world scenarios involving STEM and manufacturing careers,” commented Danielle Farmer, Student Affairs/ACE Coordinator at MCTEC. “He engages students with guest speakers and field trips to STEM/manufacturing career pathways.”

The Explore the New Manufacturing program announced today that Daniel Bonnett has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award.  Bonnett, a mathematics and physics instructor, is employed at Riverside High School. He will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia.  

“Math in this community can be very intimidating,” stated Tonya Harper. “Mr. Bonnett is single-handedly changing that. He creates a fun, relaxed, hands-on learning environment where students are thriving and excelling.” 

The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Eric Younkins has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award. Younkins, a welding instructor, is employed at the United Technical Center. He will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. 

“Eric Younkins has consistently supplied his students with learning opportunities that are always current with industry standards,” noted Ray Frazier, assistant director at the United Technical Center. “Younkins was instrumental in obtaining American Welding Society Certification for his shop, the first in the state. Consequently, his students are always prepared to meet the demands of the current standards of the welding industry.”