Recent Press

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

Jared Voldness Receives 2021 Outstanding Industry Educator Award

headshot 1Parkersburg, WV, May 21, 2021 – The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Jared Voldness been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator Award in the high school division for his dedication in the classroom. Voldness, a teacher at the Wood County Technical Center and the Caperton Center for Applied Technology, works with students in the areas of pre-engineering and computer science. Voldness 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.

“Jared gives an enormous amount of time to benefit students. One example is starting a First Robotics Club with another instructor. He meets with students after school and at times on weekends. Jared and some of his students made PPE equipment utilizing the 3D printer. These were donated to various healthcare professionals,” Pier Bocchini, Principal Wood County Technical Center & Caperton Center for Applied Technology.

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing & Outstanding Industry Educator Awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “Jared is a champion for his students who utilizes a myriad of resources to provide development opportunities for his students, including teaming with DuPont in the 2020-2021 Manufacturing Innovation Challenge. We are honored to recognize Jared for his commitment and excellence,” Monica Cross, Program Director of Explore the New Manufacturing.

OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATOR Awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success is often the result of a dynamic teacher who inspires pupils to work harder to pursue a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students in manufacturing related technical and STEM courses and are involved in the Explore the New Manufacturing or other affiliated programs.

Voldness’ 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

29 Apr
Regional Awards - MID-OHIO VALLEY / WVU Parkersburg / 5:30-8:30pm
Date 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
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Workshop - Earth Day New River Tamarack
05.02.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
11 May
Strawberry Festival Showcase
05.11.2024 - 05.19.2024
21 May
Hedgesville HS Awards Day - need event details
05.21.2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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