Charleston, West Virginia, April 19, 2023 – Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the Explore Student Video Contest Kanawha Valley region. Middle school teams were judged on the creation of a 3-minute video about their manufacturing partner, the employees, and cool aspects of the company.
The Best Manufacturing Message Award was presented to Huntington Middle School for their video about Alcon Research LTD. Huntington’s winning video demonstrated the intricate process that Alcon Research LTD undergoes to create their lenses intended for eye surgery!
Team members include Rheya Bostic, Henry Davis, Bayleigh Creasy, Marshall Fox, Audra Gerlach, Conner Ison, Ya’Riah Petties, Nate Riegel, and Amelia Rollyson.
TIE - OUTSTANDING CREATIVITY AWARD was presented Ripley Middle School and South Charleston Middle School.
Ripley Middle School was presented the award for their video about the Blenko Glass Company. Ripley Middle’s winning video showcases the different jobs at Blenko and how each role plays an important part in making the vibrantly colored glassware that Blenko is famous for!
South Charleston Middle School was presented the award for their video about JQ Dickinson Salt-Works. South Charleston’s video displays a great message about JQ Dicknson’s team & how different departments contribute to providing gourmet salt all around!
Ripley Middle Team members include Kaden Jeffers, Jayden Gooseman, Brooklyn Morrison, Jaden Terry, Lilly Vanhoose, and Jenna Wyer.
South Charleston Team members include Broderick Allara, Connor Blankenship, Carter Braddock, Takeria Brown-Wriston, Dalton Cantley, Nicholas Devine, Braxton Evo, Taryiah Hogan, Hawa Ibrahim, Karon Johnson, Kavon Johnson, Lariah Jackson, Scarlet Lawrence, Elijah Mayo-Cossin, Erika Monday, Kahsi Morgan, Gwendolyn Nice, Kendall Walls, and Lyric Watts.
VIEWER'S CHOICE was presented to Dunbar Middle School for their video about Service Wire. The Dunbar team got their fan base to show their support with their vote. The team set a new contest record for the most vote by a single team.
Team members include Kylie Batch, Davin Bodkins, Aleah Booker, Jayden Bumpus, Axle Ramsey, and Mikayla Rizzo.
All contest videos can be viewed by visiting: https://www.exploremfgwv.com/2023-kanawha-region-video-contest
Participating middle schools included Blennerhassett Middle School, Calhoun County Middle School, Dunbar Middle School, Huntington Middle School, Hurricane Middle School, Midland Trail Middle School, Ripley Middle School, and South Charleston Middle School.
Participating manufacturers included Alcon Research LTD., Armacell, LLC, Blenko Glass Co, Cyclops Industries, Inc., JQ Dickinson Salt-Works, Kreinik Manufacturing Company, Niterra North America, Inc., and Service Wire.
The Explore 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 Manufacturers 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 Explore Student Video Contest provides a first-hand glimpse into modern manufacturing for sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students. Each participating school is provided with 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.
