The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Rex Rush has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator Award in the high school division for his dedication in the classroom. Rush, a teacher at Hundred High School, works with students in the areas of technology education, robotics, and engineering. Rush will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia.

“Rex promotes exemplary student service to his community through technical education. His students built a prominent visitor center in Hundred, provided attractive signage throughout the community, and worked with city leaders on improvements,” Tammy Holbert Wells Director of Secondary and Career Technical Education, Student Assessment, and Strategic Planning, Wetzel County Board of Education.

Morgantown, WV, May 13, 2021 –   In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed ten welding students from the Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) and Progressive Industries, Inc.  The challenge required the students to develop an entry exam consisting of a written exam and a skills assessment for applicants as part of the Progressive Industries interview process. 

Meadow Bridge, WV, May 12, 2021 – The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Jacob Cooper has been recognized with an Emerging Elite in Manufacturing Award for his work in the classroom. A Meadow Bridge High School student, Cooper has excelled as a leader in his Fayette Institute of Technology courses. Cooper will receive a $500 award designated for scholarships, certification fees, or specialty equipment. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia.

“Jacob is a very responsible student who works well with others, especially when it comes to accomplishing an assignment. He will take the initiative to pull the class together and get started on a project. Jacob meets deadlines early, allowing extra time to perfect his work. I feel that Jacob should be commended for his hard work on these projects,” Holly Pannell, Counselor, Fayette Institute of Technology.

Charleston, WV, May 11, 2021 – The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Dr. Kathy D’Antoni has been presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and leadership to West Virginia’s career technical education programs. D’Antoni, who retired in 2020 as the Associate State Superintendent over the Division of Technical and Adult Education, was instrumental in developing the state’s career and technical education, which has become a national model of success. 

In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed six Integrated Production Technology students from the Carver Career & Technical Center (Carver CTE) and NGK Spark Plugs USA Inc.  The challenge required the students to assist with the binding and cutting process with one of their product lines.