The Explore the New Manufacturing made a surprise award presentation to Kimberly Ghaphery at the organization’s Northern Region Award Ceremony. Ghaphery was presented with a 2024 Outstanding Industry Educator award in the middle school category. The award celebrates skilled and dedicated educators working to increase the understanding of manufacturing careers available in West Virginia. Ghaphery, a gifted instructor, teaches at the Moundsville Middle School. She will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement, in addition to a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia.
“I was honored to work with Kimberly and her students as part of the 2023 Explore Student Video Contest. She was professional and passionate, and her team created an award-winning video. This recognition is well deserved. Thank you, Kimberly, for supporting the Explore program and helping introduce your students to the WV manufacturing community.” Jason Wilburn, President, Paul Wissmach Glass Company
“Kim Ghaphery is a passionate teacher who sets a high bar for her students. She cares deeply for her students and wants them to succeed and excel.” Ryan Finley, Principal, Moundsville Middle School
Launched in 2020, the Outstanding Industry Educator Award celebrates West Virginia educators who are steadfast champions for their students, tirelessly seeking means to help them succeed along their career pathways. “At Explore, we believe that student success is often the result of a dynamic teacher, and Kimberly perfectly fits the description of this award,” said Executive Director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas. “The Explore team has been impressed by Ghaphery’s student teams and are happy to count on her as an educational partner.”
Ghaphery’s award is part of Explore’s Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards. Profiles of all 2024 award recipients will be available on the Explore the New Manufacturing website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards
