MADISON – Wisconsin Business World – a program of WMC Foundation – announced the six winners of its second annual Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (MET) awards program. The program, sponsored by Plexus Corp., headquartered in Neenah, 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. The MET awards program seeks to highlight teachers who are working each day to ensure the state’s future workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the manufacturing, engineering and technology industries.
“As we seek to bridge the gap between education and the workforce here in Wisconsin, we are thankful for outstanding teachers who partner with us to equip students for careers here in our backyard,” said Wisconsin Business World Senior Director Michelle Grajkowski. “Thank you to all manufacturing, education, and technology teachers across the state, and congratulations to these winners!”
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.
“Our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Our commitment to living our vision extends beyond our walls and into the communities in which we live and work,” said Mike Running, Regional President for Plexus. “We are proud to partner with Wisconsin Business World to recognize the dedication, passion, and contributions of six educators who are cultivating STEM education in the state of Wisconsin. Each of them has had a profound impact on countless students, embodying our Plexus vision.”
2024 MET Award Winners:
High School Educators
1st Place – Jeff Deglopper – Muskego High School
2nd Place – Ryan Osterberg – Brookfield Central High School
3rd Place – Matthew Schultz – The Lincoln Academy
Middle School Educators
1st Place – Todd Sobczyk – Lake Denoon Middle School
2nd Place – Devalyn Rogers – One City Prep Academy
3rd Place – William Trudell – New Berlin West Middle School
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. For more information about Wisconsin Business World and its programs, visit www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/.
The six winners of this year’s MET awards program will be recognized at a ceremony at Plexus in Neenah on April 30 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Press are welcome to attend. To RSVP, contact Nick Novak at nnovak@wmc.org.
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