The FIRST PLACE recipient of the 2024 West Virginia Best Manufacturing Message Award is Blennerhassett Middle School for their video about Mister Bee Potato Chips Company. Blennerhassett's winning video showcases what’s cool about Mister Bee’s and their famous potato chips.
Blennerhassett Middle School Team: Karissa Epperly, Ihla Freshour, Evan Mace, Alice Abbott, Hayla Delancey, Payton Sellers, Madison May, Lillian Bryant, Caysen Litton, Raylen Reeder, Alexandra Smith, Julia Sharpe, Easton Wolfe, Jalyn Eddy, Paisley Maone, Sophia Williams, Jayden Kelley, Izabella Robinson, Jude Barre, and Alexis Seiders.
Education Leader: Holmes Marty.
Mister Bee’s Support Team: Rob Graham, Michael Rolston, and Cassidie Sayger.
The SECOND PLACE recipient of the 2024 West Virginia Manufacturer’s Choice Award is Guyan Valley Middle School for their video about Blenko Glass Company, Inc. Guyan Valley’s winning video showcases Blenko Glass’ iconic water bottles and how they are made.
Guyan Valley Middle School Team: 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.
Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/students/student-video-contest to watch all Student Video Contest videos!
All regional winning teams moved forward to state judging. Participating teams included:
Charles Town Middle School and Mountaineer Popcorn Company
Martinsburg Middle School and Logoplaste
Hannan Junior Senior High School and Alcon Research, Ltd.
Jackson Middle School and Paul Wissmach Glass Company
Bridge Street Middle School and East Coast Metal Systems, Inc.
Moundsville Middle School and Tecnocap
Morgantown South Middle School and FCX Systems, Inc.
Taylor County Middle School and Simonton Windows
“2024 has been an exciting year for the Explore Student Video Contest,” said Executive Director Monica Cross. “With new schools and manufacturers joining the contest, competitors produced some of the best videos in contest history. A format change allowed us to invite more regional winners to participate in state judging for this year’s top honors, which helped us celebrate the students' hard work. We are very proud and honored to award 2024 state awards to Blennerhassett Middle School and Guyan Valley Middle School.”
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.
