Recent Press

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

Explore the New Manufacturing Announces Winners for the West Virginia Northern Region What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest

WHEELING, April 4, 2022 – Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the northern region completion of the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest.  Middle school teams were judged on the creation of a 3-minute video about their manufacturing partner, the employees, and what was cool about the company.

Best Manufacturing Message Award was presented to The Linsly School for their video about Silgan Plastics

The winning video impressively answered the question "What's So Cool About Manufacturing?" by effectively showing what/how the company produces, showcasing interesting interviews, and successfully highlighting careers. 

Team members include Sophie Toma (Team Captain), Addison Lucas, Tucker Doty, Gavin Spadafore, Alyssa Heath, Alliyah Williams, and Andrew Hoang. 

Outstanding Creativity Award was presented to Moundsville Middle School for their video about the Ziegenfelder Company

The winning video used a theme, storyline, or the delivery of content in a creative manner that could include content outside of the manufacturing facility, humor, or unique storytelling.   

Team members include Gwennelyn Brown, Ethan Corvino, Sophia Crumm, Alina Holliday, Hayden Hughes, Gracie Hunter, Kayden Knapp, Lilyan Markle, Liam Marlin, Sarah Mcbee, Riley Polsinelli, John Robbins Jr., Richard Robinson II, Camden Terry, Zoey Toothman, Xavier Wells, Zakkary Wells, Hannah Woods, and Alexa Xolo-Ruggles.

Viewer's Choice Award was presented to Sherrard Middle School for their video about Tecnocap LLC.

The winning video received the most votes for their creation.  The voting was opening to students, parents, educators, and community members. 

Team members include Brynn Williams, KJ Wilkinson, Landyn Roberts, Gage Hull, and Kaylee Alvendia.

All contest videos can be viewed by visiting https://www.exploremfgwv.com/students/student-video-contest.html

Participating middle schools Brooke Middle School, Linsly School, Moundsville Middle School, Oak Glen Middle School, and Sherrard Middle School.

Participating manufacturers The Fiesta Tableware Company, Pietro Fiorentini USA, Silgan Plastics, Tecnocap LLC, and The Ziegenfelder Corporation.

“The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest is a favorite of students, teachers, and manufacturers,” said Program Director Monica Cross.  “This year’s competitors stepped up to produce some great videos.  The regional contests are a vital component of our initiative of creating awareness about the types of job opportunities modern day manufacturing offers.” Cross oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing Program on behalf of the West Virginia Manufacturing Association Educational Fund’s efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas. 

The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest provides a first-hand glimpse into modern manufacturing for seventh and eighth-grade students.  Each participating school is provided a video camera and kit by Explore the New Manufacturing.  The program is funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, as well as company and individual contributions. 

Program Sponsors

Major financial underwriting is provided by

Upcoming Dates

28 Mar
SVC - EASTERN Region - Viewer's Choice Voting
Date 03.28.2024 - 04.04.2024
28 Mar
SVC - EASTERN Region Judging
03.28.2024 - 04.03.2024
29 Mar
MIC - NORTH CENTRAL Region - Deadline Final Presentation to Manufacturer
03.29.2024
29 Mar
MIC - EASTERN Region - Judging
03.29.2024 - 04.04.2024
29 Mar
MIC - MID-OHIO Region - Deadline Draft Technical Report
03.29.2024
31 Mar
Regional Awards - NORTH CENTRAL / Bridgeport Conference Center / 5:30-8:30pm
03.31.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Updates from Explore

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