Virginia L. Heard Elementary Academy Student Takes Second Place in Statewide Manufacturing Appreciation Design Contest

#1354 |  April 4, 2013

ATLANTA – Mina Smith, a third grader from Virginia L. Heard Elementary Academy in Savannah, Ga., took second place in the K-5 division of the 2013 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $300 scholarship check, presented by Lt. Gov. Cagle, at the MAW Governor’s Awards Luncheon held at the Georgia International Convention Center on April 3.

“These young students are our best and brightest, and our future in manufacturing depends on them,” said Larry Callahan, CEO of Patillo Industrial Real Estate, as the awards were presented.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. Winners were named for grades 9-12, 6-8, and K-5. Smith won second place in a placemat design competition for elementary students.

During the ceremonies, Lt. Gov. Cagle named Georgia’s 2013 Manufacturers of the Year: Southwire Company in Carrollton and Douglas in the large manufacturer category (more than 500 employees); Nordson Corporation’s Swainsboro facility in the medium manufacturer category (150-500 employees); and Savannah’s DIRTT Environmental Solutions in the small manufacturer category (fewer than 150 employees).

The MAW Student Design Contest is held annually in conjunction with Manufacturers’ Appreciation Week and is designed to promote awareness of the important role manufacturing plays in the economy of the State of Georgia for elementary to high school students statewide. Co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated this year April 1-5. This is the 19th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia.

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