Recent Press

Press Releases, News & Updates from Explore and all of our education efforts.

Fedorke Receives Outstanding Educator Award

Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Aaron Fedorke has received an Outstanding Educator Award for his work helping student explore career pathways.

Fedorke, a career and technical teacher at Wheeling Park High, works with students in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW), Engineering and Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Machine Tool Technology. Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite & Industry Educator Awards celebrates the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia.

Explore the New Manufacturing Announces 2020 Emerging Elite and Outstanding Industry Educator Awards

Charleston, WV, June 4, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the inaugural recipients of the Emerging Elite and Outstanding Industry Educator Awards celebrating the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “As the Explore Team has worked with students and educators to increase the understanding of manufacturing across the state, we have been amazed by student talent and poise. The educators involved in our programs are steadfast champions for their students, tirelessly seeking means to help them succeed along their career pathways.” Monica Cross, Program Director of the WVMAEF.

Bruce Hamrick Receives Outstanding Industry Educator Award from Explore the New Manufacturing

Outstanding EducatorCharleston, WV, June 1, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Bruce Hamrick has received an Outstanding Educator Award for his work in the classroom.  Hamrick, a teacher at Carver Career Technical Center, works with students in the SREB Integrated Production Technology (Advanced Manufacturing 1-4) classes.

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite & Industry Educator Awards celebrates the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “As the Explore Team has worked with students and educators to increase the understanding of manufacturing across the state, we have been amazed by student talent and poise. The educators involved in our programs are steadfast champions for their students, tirelessly seeking means to help them succeed along their career pathways,” Monica Cross, Program Director of the WVMAEF. 

Poca Middle School Receives Outstanding Industry Educator Award from Explore the New Manufacturing

Poca, WV, May 31, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Poca Middle Outstanding EducatorSchool has received an Outstanding Educator Award. Julie Longsworth (Librarian), Jessie Sams (STEM/Technology Teacher), and Kensie Fisher (Principal) are being recognized for their dedication to student learning.

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite & Industry Educator Awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “As the Explore Team has worked with students and educators to increase the understanding of manufacturing across the state, we have been amazed by student talent and poise. The educators involved in our programs are steadfast champions for their students, tirelessly seeking means to help them succeed along their career pathways,” Monica Cross, Program Director of the WVMAEF.

Aaron Fedorke Receives Outstanding Industry Educator Award from Explore the New Manufacturing

Outstanding EducatorWheeling, WV, May 30, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Aaron Fedorke has received an Outstanding Educator Award for his work helping student explore career pathways. Fedorke, a career and technical teacher at Wheeling Park High, works with students in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW), Engineering and Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Machine Tool Technology.

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite & Industry Educator Awards celebrates the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia.  “As the Explore Team has worked with students and educators to increase the understanding of manufacturing across the state, we have been amazed by student talent and poise.  The educators involved in our programs are steadfast champions for their students, tirelessly seeking means to help them succeed along their career pathways,” Monica Cross, Program Director of the WVMAEF. 

OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATOR Awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success often is the result of a teacher who is dynamic and inspires pupils to work harder in pursuit of a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students on multiple Explore the New Manufacturing events and in Career Technical Education endeavors.

All 2020 Emerging Elite and Industry Educator Awards will be available on the Explore website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards

Explore the New Manufacturing is currently looking for schools and companies to take part in next year’s activities. If you would like more information, contact Monica Cross at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (304) 612-4912.

Program Sponsors

Major financial underwriting is provided by

Upcoming Dates

17 Apr
SVC - MID_OHIO VALLEY Region - Viewer's Choice Voting
Date 04.17.2024 - 04.24.2024
17 Apr
SVC - MID-OHIO Region Judging
04.17.2024 - 04.23.2024
19 Apr
MIC - MID-OHIO Region - Judging
04.19.2024 - 04.25.2024
23 Apr
Regional Awards - NORTH CENTRAL / Bridgeport Conference Center / 5:30-8:30pm
04.23.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
24 Apr
Workshop - Earth Day Central Jackson's Mill
04.24.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
29 Apr
Regional Awards - MID-OHIO VALLEY / WVU Parkersburg / 5:30-8:30pm
04.29.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Updates from Explore

Contact us and get involved!

Interested in getting involved with the Explore the New Manufacturing Program?

We are looking for manufacturers, schools, teachers, and community members to
help us expand our efforts throughout West Virginia.

Help us by answering a few questions.