MADISON – Wisconsin Business World – a program of WMC Foundation – is pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (MET) awards program. The program, sponsored by Plexus, recognizes outstanding Wisconsin high school and middle school teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing manufacturing, engineering and technology principles in their classrooms.
Wisconsin Business World applauds educators who creatively and passionately expose students to STEM opportunities and career fields. As the largest industry in the state, manufacturing employs roughly 500,000 Wisconsinites. The MET awards program seeks to highlight teachers who are working each day to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the manufacturing, engineering and technology industries.
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding teachers for their commitment to preparing their students for careers right here in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Business World’s Senior Director Michelle Grajkowski. “Each of the nominees are making an impact in their students’ lives, local communities and our state.”
After a months-long nomination and application period, winning teachers were selected by an independent panel of judges based on exceptional curriculum, unique classroom projects, teaching philosophy and more. Cash prizes were awarded to first, second and third place winners in both the high school and middle school categories.
Mike Running, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Quality for Plexus, commented, “We are excited to highlight and support the winners of the first annual manufacturing, engineering and technology (MET) education impact award in partnership with Wisconsin Business World. Through these educators’ focus on MET and STEM-based learning, the effect is substantial on the future careers of their students. Plexus’ continued support of our schools, educators and our communities reflects the knowledge that our people create our best Plexus and represent a cornerstone in our ability to support our vision to help create the products that build a better world.”
2023 MET Award Winners:
High School Educators
1st Place – Roy Ward – Webster School District
2nd Place – Scott Christy – Green Bay School District
3rd Place – Melanie Shimek – Manitowoc School District
Middle School Educators
1st Place – Craig Cegielski – Eleva Strum School District
2nd Place – Heather Kiefer – Slinger School District
3rd Place – Jon Larson – Little Chute School District
The MET awards program is part of Wisconsin Business World’s broader mission to reach, inspire and engage students from every corner of the state and to teach them the importance of business, entrepreneurship and the free market through virtual and in-person events, all while informing them of economic opportunities in their own communities. Through programs like the MET awards, Wisconsin Business World is working with educators across the state to prepare the next generation of Wisconsin business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The six winners of this year’s MET awards program will be recognized at a ceremony at Plexus in Neenah on May 25th. For more information about Wisconsin Business World and its programs, visit www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/.
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