Recent Press

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

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

MARTINSBURG, April 11, 2022 – Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the eastern 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. The awards were announced at the Eastern Award Ceremony sponsored by Procter & Gamble.

Best Manufacturing Message Award – TIE - was presented to Charles Town Middle School and South Middle School

The winning videos 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.  The award was sponsored by Technimark.

Charles Town team members include: Hunter Braithwaite, Katie Buscema, Adrielle Fennell, Alice Jenkins, Caleb Rice, and Chyler Shade.

South team members include: Shanaya Harrod, Collin Moon, Tejuan Rose, Sydney Wert, and Taylor Wert.

Outstanding Creativity Award was presented to South Middle School

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: Shanaya Harrod, Collin Moon, Tejuan Rose, Sydney Wert, and Taylor Wert.

Viewer's Choice Award was presented to North Middle School

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

Team members include: Chloe Bryson, Sasha Conner, Kylee Delara, Rylee Delauter, and Makenzee DeLeon.

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

Participating middle schools:  Charles Town Middle School, Mountain Ridge Middle School, North Middle School, South Middle School, and St Joseph School.

Participating manufacturers:  Argos USA LLC., Mountaineer Popcorn Company, Quad Graphics, Procter & Gamble, and Technimark.

“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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