Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the Kanawha Valley 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 is cool about the company. The awards were announced at the Kanawha Valley Award Ceremony sponsored by Belle Chemical Company, Covestro, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Inc.
Best Manufacturing Message Award was presented to West Side Middle School for their video about NGK Spark Plugs USA, Inc. The winning video 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.
West Side team members include Randy Mullins, Freda Reaves, Ahlam Khalid, Sydnee Lester, Caroline Uy, Camdyn Harris, Naziah Pannell, Christian Inman, and Rhemasci Long.
Outstanding Creativity Award was presented to Midland Trail Middle School for their video about J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works. The winning videos 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.
Midland Trail team members include Avery Preast, Isaac Walls, Bradin Ortiz, Victoria Horrocks, Kelsey Workman, Zander Miller, Wyatt Moses, and Jacob Ewing.
Viewer's Choice Award was presented to Calhoun County Middle School for their video about the Belle Chemical Company. The winning video received the most votes for their creation. The voting was opened to students, parents, educators, and community members.
Calhoun County team members include Aniah Davis, Anessia Kerby, Kendall Snodgress, Addison Collins, Laura Reeves, Coby Staples, Hoyt Helmick, and Kayleigh Cunningham.
All contest videos can be viewed by visiting https://www.exploremfgwv.com/students/student-video-contest.htm
Participating middle schools: Calhoun County Middle School (Calhoun County), Hurricane Middle School (Putnam County), Midland Trail Middle School (Fayette County), South Charleston Middle School (Kanawha County), and West Side Middle School (Kanawha County).
Participating manufacturers: Belle Chemical Company, Blenko Glass Company, Cyclops Industries Inc, J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, and NGK Spark Plugs USA.
“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.
