Charleston, WV, June 4, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the inaugural recipients of the Emerging Elite and Outstanding Industry Educator Awards celebrating the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “As the Explore Team has worked with students and educators to increase the understanding of manufacturing across the state, we have been amazed by student talent and poise. The educators involved in our programs are steadfast champions for their students, tirelessly seeking means to help them succeed along their career pathways.” Monica Cross, Program Director of the WVMAEF.
Emerging Elite
High School Category
- Katie Hesson - Spring Valley High School
- Karissa Hebb – Elkins High School
- Tanner Lee – Carver Career and Technical Center
Internship Category
- Mitchell Davis - Rubberlite, Inc. Internship
Outstanding Industry Educator Awards
Middle School Category
- Poca Middle School - Julie Longsworth, Jessie Sams, and Kensie Fisher
- Jerry Dooley - Taylor County Middle School
- Bricie Brannan - Sherrard Middle School
- Amy Lopez - North Middle School
- Justin Boggs - Cabell County Schools
High School Category
- Bruce Hamrick - Carver Career and Technical Center
- Aaron Fedorke -Wheeling Park High School
- Don Robinette - Monongalia County Technical Center
The EMERGING ELITE IN MANUFACTURING Awards recognize West Virginia students who have excelled in manufacturing-related courses and programs. Awardees have taken part as student leaders in Explore the New Manufacturing events while demonstrating workforce-ready skills and communication. These student leaders serve as lab hosts, presenters, and mentors to middle schoolers exploring potential career pathways.
OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATOR Awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success often is the result of a teacher who is dynamic and inspires pupils to work harder in pursuit of a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students on multiple Explore the New Manufacturing events and in Career Technical Education endeavors.
Slideshows for all 2020 Emerging Elite and Industry Educator Awards recipients are available on the Explore website. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards
Explore the New Manufacturing is currently looking for schools and companies to take part in next year’s activities. If you would like more information, contact Monica Cross at
