Recent Press

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

Charles Town Middle School and Argos USA LLC team up for the West Virginia What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to release Charles Town Middle School’s video submission in the Eastern Region What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Student Video Contest.  The video showcases the cement produced by Argos USA LLC, located in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

The students are competing for three regional awards: Outstanding Creativity, Best Manufacturing Message, and the Viewer's Choice.  Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/students/student-video-contest.html to view the Charles Town Middle School video.

“I feel so strongly about the benefits of the “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” video contest because of the pride and confidence I’ve personally witnessed in many students,” stated Charles Parker, Charles Town Middle School educator. “I have seen them overcome shyness and fear and watch them bloom! They’re exposed to new and varied means of achieving a meaningful and rewarding career. When they get a chance to interview and interact with employees at all levels of the manufacturing process, they’re shown exciting career paths that they can envision themselves in! What an enriching and rewarding opportunity.”

Participating Charleston students:  Hunter Braithwaite, Katie Buscema, Adrielle Fennell, Alice Jenkins, Caleb Rice, and Chyler Shade.

 “Argos USA, LLC enjoys partnering with the What’s So Cool about Manufacturing? video contest,” stated Dina Didion, Argos Environmental Manager. “Argos’ motto, IMAGINE what we can build together, starts with educating those around us about the world of cement. Working with the students and getting to share what we do was an enjoyable experience. We here at Argos had fun and look forward to participating again in the future. Good Luck to the Charles Town Middle School team!” 

Participating Argos employees:  Dina Didion, Environmental Manager; Keith Whetsel, Quarry Coordinator; Rick Portman, Production Manager; Eric Hart, Packaging Technician; and PJ Morrissey, Maintenance Technician.

“Today’s middle school students will be tomorrow’s workforce in manufacturing in West Virginia,” said Program Director Monica Cross, who 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. “This generation has a real opportunity to have lifelong careers in modern manufacturing environments that will use skills in technology, problem-solving, innovation, and communication.” 

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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