Five Tamaqua Area Middle School eighth grade students visited EMD Electronics in Hometown to show people “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing.”

Armed with cameras and microphones, they filmed their tour of the plant, interviewed employees, and then, produced a video.

Now they’re looking for your votes through the annual “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” video contest conducted by the Manufacturers Resource Center.

Their entry is one of 27 from schools across Schuylkill and Berks counties, said Megan Frantz, a school Title I math teacher and the group’s leader.

Votes will be taken Wednesday through Friday through WhatsSoCool.org.

“The team meets three days a week during their study hall to research, produce and edit their two-and-a-half-minute video,” she said.

Students not only learn about the local manufacturer, they see what goes into making a video, including filming, editing, producing, recording audio and collaborating as a team.

“It is a wonderful learning experience. The student body also learns a lot about jobs in manufacturing. They are given a career assignment to view the videos in the contest and answer questions regarding the featured manufacturers,” Frantz said. “One project goal is to enlighten students about the manufacturing field’s job opportunities.”

The Manufacturers Resource Center launched the contest 7 years ago as a way to promote career technical and science, technology, engineering, and math education.

Frantz said the Tamaqua team enjoyed all aspects of the experience.

“I liked going to EMD Electronics and learning about the different roles people have in manufacturing,” Kenneth Baily said.

So, too, did Mia Bamford, who enjoyed learning what employees do at the plant.

Addison Fink said that editing the video was her favorite part, while Joel Miller enjoyed filming what he saw on the tour.

“I liked working together as a group and going to EMD Electronics to explore and learn about the company,” Abbey Rex said.

To cast votes, visit www.WhatsSoCool.org and select “Berks Schuylkill” under “2023 contests.” Tamaqua Middle School is listed with EMD Electronics, Frantz said.

“Vote as often as you can. Refresh your page and find Tamaqua again,” Frantz said. “Your help is greatly appreciated to help our team win the Viewers’ Choice Award.”

Winners will go on to compete in a statewide contest.

Other schools from the region included in the contest are Blue Mountain, D.H.H. Lengel (Pottsville), Mahanoy Area, North Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven and Shenandoah Valley.

“The program’s continued success and impact can be attributed to the efforts the teachers and students have put forth, along with the many partners and community sponsors committed to building a future workforce which will in turn support economic growth and expansion in the region,” said Rich Hobbs, Manufacturers Resource Council president.