Recent Press

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

Tobin McEldowney Receives 2021 Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Award

headshotThe Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Tobin McEldowney has been recognized with an Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Award for his work in the classroom. A Paden City High School student, McEldowney has excelled as a leader in his Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute

courses.  McEldowney 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. 

“Tobin is an outstanding student with very good attendance in my class. When he was remote, Tobin completed his assignments with no issue, and attended all team meetings.  If Tobin had to miss a meeting, he would send me pictures of himself helping his dad on excavating jobs.  Tobin gets along with his peers and always does what is asked of him in the shop; he is very safety conscious. Tobin will make a good employee when he finishes school,” Kenneth Collins, Instructor, MOVTI. 

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing & Outstanding Industry Educator Awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “Despite the impact of Covid-19, Tobin continued to excel in his classes.  We are honored to present this award to him for his determination and hard work,” Monica Cross, Program Director of Explore the New Manufacturing. 

The EMERGING ELITE IN MANUFACTURING Awards recognize West Virginia high school students who have excelled in manufacturing related technical education and STEM courses.  Each awardee demonstrates workforce-ready technical and communication skills critical to successful employee performance.       

McEldowney’s award is part of the 14-day awards announcement series. Join us daily at noon as the Explore Team rolls out the 2021 recipients of the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and the Outstanding Industry Educator Awards.  Profiles of all award recipients will be available on the Explore the New Manufacturing website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards

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Upcoming Dates

19 Apr
MIC - MID-OHIO Region - Judging
Date 04.19.2024 - 04.25.2024
29 Apr
Regional Awards - MID-OHIO VALLEY / WVU Parkersburg / 5:30-8:30pm
04.29.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
1 May
MIC - Judging for state awards
05.01.2024 - 05.07.2024
1 May
SVC - Judging for state awards
05.01.2024 - 05.07.2024
2 May
Workshop - Earth Day New River Tamarack
05.02.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
21 May
Hedgesville HS Awards Day - need event details
05.21.2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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