Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the North Central 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 North Central Award Ceremony sponsored by the EQT Foundation and STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA, Inc.
Best Manufacturing Message Award was presented to Taylor County Middle School for their video about Appalachian Wood Pellets. 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.
Taylor County team members include Colton Gillespie, Jaynie Meadows, Sophia Austin, Anna Poling, Caroline Stead, Jaylin Summers, Jason Davis, Noah Moats, Parker Biller, Kasey Alexander, and Colson Annon.
Outstanding Creativity Award there was a tie. The award presented jointly to Blennerhassett Middle School and Hamilton Middle School. 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.
Blennerhassett’s video featured the Paul Wissmach Glass Co. Team members include Josh Benson, Emmagin Harris, Emmalynn Short, Michael Hedrick, Bailey Ferrebee, Kymani Prince, Maci Miller, Cade Staats, Amiya Powell, Addison Moon.
Hamilton’s video featured Simonton Windows. Team members include Henry Barry, Hannah Biles, Nathaniel Butcher, Noel Dooley, Isacc Duncan, Miley Graham, Alex Kupfner, Elizabeth Mounts, Blake Place, and Larry Wilson.
Viewer's Choice Award was presented to Taylor County Middle School for their video about the Appalachian Wood Pellets. The winning video received the most votes for their creation. The voting was opened to students, parents, educators, and community members.
Taylor County team members include Colton Gillespie, Jaynie Meadows, Sophia Austin, Anna Poling, Caroline Stead, Jaylin Summers, Jason Davis, Noah Moats, Parker Biller, Kasey Alexander, and Colson Annon.
All contest videos can be viewed by visiting https://www.exploremfgwv.com/students/student-video-contest.htm
Participating middle schools: Blennerhassett Middle School (Wood County), Hamilton Middle School (Wood County), Taylor County Middle School (Taylor County), and Westwood Middle School (Monongalia County).
Participating manufacturers: Appalachian Wood Pellets, FCX Systems, Inc., Paul Wissach Glass Company, and Simonton Windows.
“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.
