Elkins, WV, May 21, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Karissa Hebb has been recognized with an Emerging Elite Award for her work in the classroom. Hebb, an Elkins High School student, has excelled as a student leader in her Randolph Technical Center courses.

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite & Industry Educator Awards celebrate 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.

Starting today, Wednesday, May 20th, the Explore Program will launch a special celebration highlighting the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. Our awardees demonstrate innovation, commitment, and robust capacities essential for workforce readiness in modern manufacturing. These are critical components to the vitality of the state and the manufacturers operating within our borders.

For 12 consecutive days, we will highlight the talent and extraordinary work of some amazing individuals who are making a difference. The award announcements will be available at here and Explore’s Facebook page.

“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. We are honored to work with these individuals and want to recognize their dedication,” Monica Cross, Program Director of the WVMAEF.

Huntington, WV, May 20, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Katie Hesson has been recognized with an Emerging Elite Award for her work in the classroom.  Hesson, a senior at Spring Valley High School, has excelled as a student leader in both her Career & Technical Education Project Lead the Way courses and on her Robotics Team.

Morgantown, WV, May 20, 2020 – Explore the New Manufacturing announced today that Don Robinette has received an Outstanding Educator Award for his work in the classroom. Robinette, a teacher at MTEC, works with students to development a skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career as a welder.

Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite & Industry Educator Awards celebrates 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.

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness." - Desmond Tutu

Even in areas less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, its reverberations have been felt. From broadband limitations to supply chain constraints, restrictedaccessibility, and unfamiliar ways of interfacing, in addition to the worries and concerns about the virus itself, few areas geographically, and lesser areas demographically, have been unscathed in some fashion. Crises force us to adaptin order to survive and sustain. Yet, it leads us to respond and prevail in ways we wouldn'thave otherwise done without the urgency pressing us to do so.