CHARLESTON, W.Va (WDTV) - Monday is West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, announced the Explore the New Manufacturing Program and the West Virginia Department of Education.

The proclamation is meant to celebrate and recognize students and educators across the state for their commitment to the next generation of workers in the manufacturing industry. The West Virginia Department of Education, the Explore the New Manufacturing Program, state manufacturers, and educators are working to strengthen manufacturing education programs to narrow the skills gap and guide West Virginia children into long-term careers in the manufacturing industry.

The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced this week that Brandon Cline has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator Award in the high school division for his dedication in the classroom.

MARTINSBURG — In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed 13Tri-County Robotics students from the James Rumsey Technical Institute and Quad Graphics.

South Charleston, WV, May 16, 2021 – The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Alejandro Ortiz-Hernandez has been recognized with an Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Award for his work in the classroom. A South Charleston High School student, Ortiz-Hernandez's leadership and team skills have helped him excel in his honors engineering classes. Ortiz-Hernandez 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.

“Alejandro is a self-motivated learner who works tirelessly to complete projects by himself or with his peers and shows exemplary organizational and learning skills. Alejandro has committed to WVU as a mechanical engineering student with a minor in Aerospace Engineering, and I believe he will achieve this goal with ease. Alejandro has shown perseverance and tenacity in overcoming language challenges early in his high school career, becoming a premier student in the engineering department at SCHS,” Tambra Kascic, Mathematics, Pre-Engineering and Robotics Instructor, South Charleston High School.

JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — A Ripley High School student is being recognized for his leadership and work in the classroom at Roane-Jackson Technical Center.

Seth Spaulding was awarded an Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Award for his success in the Explore the New Manufacturing Program, according to a news release. He will receive a $500 award designated for scholarships, certification fees or specialty equipment.