Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the Explore Student Video Contest Kanawha Valley Region. Middle school teams were judged on the creation of a 3-minute video about their manufacturing partner, the employees, and cool aspects of the company.
The FIRST PLACE recipient of the Best Manufacturing Message Award is Guyan Valley Middle School for their video about Blenko Glass Company. Guyan Valley’s winning video showcases Blenko Glass’ iconic water bottles and how they are made.
Team members include Kristina Jeffers, Kinley Brunty, Brooklyn Cook, Tucker Davis, Emma Fletcher, Grace Hargitay, Markus Hatfield, Grayson Hoover, Coy Montgomery, Rosie Parsons, Alana Porter, and Carley Saddler.
Education leaders: Carmen Foust and Bobbie Walden
Blenko Glass Company support team: Odana Chaney, Charlie Chafin, Ashley Boggs, and James Arnett
The SECOND PLACE recipient of the Best Manufacturing Message Award is Hannan Junior Senior High School for their video about Alcon Research, Ltd. Hannan’s winning video explores Alcon Research’s process of manufacturing contact lenses.
Team members include Blake Adkins, Dylan Robinson, Evelyn Blatt, Hadden Wilson, Hunter Smith, James Martin, Leah Adkins, Rylee Cornell, Rylee Gay, Shyla Hawk, Tristen Shuler, and Tyler Bartram
Education leaders: Ian Duff and Jodie Page
Alcon Research support team: Erin Adkins, Brysen Perry, and Dwayne Bowman
The Viewer's Choice Award was presented to Dunbar Middle School for their video about Cyclops Industries, Inc. This was the closest regional race in contest history! The voting was open to students, parents, educators, and community members.
Team members include Adilyn Young, Aleah Booker, Benjamin Bradshaw, Dantae, Jada Terry, Lois Dudrow, Mikayla Rizzo, Payton Baskin, and Tiana Matthews.
Education leaders: Donna Wood & Bryce Foster
Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/students/student-video-contest to watch all Student Video Contest videos!
Participating middle schools included Dunbar Middle School, Guyan Valley Middle School, Hannan Junior Senior High School, Midland Trail Middle School, and South Charleston Middle School.
Participating manufacturers included Cyclops Industries, Inc., Blenko Glass Company, Inc., Alcon Research, Ltd., Conn Weld Industries, LLC., and Niterra North America, Inc.
“The Explore Student Video Contest is a favorite of students, teachers, and manufacturers,” said executive 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.” Explore the New Manufacturing creates student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas.
The Explore Student Video Contest provides a first-hand glimpse into modern manufacturing for sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students. Each participating school is provided with 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.
