The After School Makers Club at Jackson Middle School recently made waves in West Virginia by winning the prestigious 2025 Explore: The New Manufacturing Student Video Contest. On May 16, the club was announced as the recipient of the West Virginia Best Manufacturing Message Award, highlighting their exceptional creativity and teamwork.
This talented group of middle school students partnered with local favorite Mister Bee Potato Chips to create a captivating three-minute video showcasing the company’s innovative manufacturing processes.
Their project combined education, technology, and community collaboration, reflecting the spirit of modern manufacturing and the importance of STEM education in schools.
The video, designed and produced by the club members, provided a behind-the-scenes look at how Mister Bee Potato Chips crafts their products. It emphasized not only the production techniques but also the company’s dedication to quality and innovation.
This hands-on experience gave the students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a local business and learn about real-world manufacturing operations.
Adviser Ronnie Talbott praised the students for their dedication and hard work throughout the project. “These young creators truly embraced the challenge,” he said. “Their enthusiasm for learning and teamwork really shone through every step of the video production.”
The Makers Club members featured in the project include seventh-graders Kairi Matteson, Jonas Shahan, and Judah Moore, as well as eighth-graders James D’Eramo and Gabe Floyd. The team was also supported by teacher and co-adviser Cherish George, who helped guide the students through the filming and editing process.
“This contest gave our students a chance to showcase their skills in video production while learning about local manufacturing,” said George. “It’s exciting to see their creativity rewarded with such a meaningful award.”
The Explore: The New Manufacturing contest encourages students across West Virginia to explore the world of manufacturing and develop communication skills by creating videos that explain and promote manufacturing careers and techniques. This competition plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of innovators and skilled workers in the state.
For Jackson Middle School, this win is a proud moment that highlights the growing importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in schools. It demonstrates how extracurricular clubs like the Makers Club can empower students with practical skills, creativity, and confidence.
The collaboration between the school and Mister Bee Potato Chips also underscores the value of community partnerships in education. By working closely with local businesses, students gain a real-world perspective and motivation to pursue careers in manufacturing and related fields.
Looking ahead, the Jackson Middle School Makers Club plans to continue producing engaging projects that inspire their peers and celebrate West Virginia’s manufacturing industry. Their recent achievement serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished when young minds are encouraged to explore, create, and innovate.
As they celebrate their victory, these students are not just winners of a contest—they are ambassadors for the future of manufacturing in West Virginia. Their video stands as a testament to the power of education, community involvement, and youthful creativity.
Congratulations to the Jackson Middle School Makers Club for their outstanding achievement and for bringing attention to the vital role of manufacturing in today’s world.
