(DEARBORN, Mich.) ― Jim Weber, welding and machining instructor at Capital High School in Helena, Montana, and Demetrius Anthony, lead manufacturing engineering teacher at Hollenstein Career and Technology Center in Fort Worth, Texas, were among the 2017 recipients of the William Dahlgren Award presented by the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering Foundation. The organization recognized Weber and Anthony for going above and beyond their roles as educators to prepare the next-generation manufacturing workforce for successful careers in the industry. The William Dahlgren Award is given to outstanding K-12 teachers for inspiring students in math, science and engineering fields, particularly classes directed toward learning the field of plastics and general entrepreneurship activities/efforts.

“The SAMPE Foundation reached out to the SME Education Foundation in an effort to identify outstanding K-12 teachers worthy of the William Dahlgren Award,” said Ted Lynch, chairman, SAMPE Foundation. “Jim and Demetrius are excellent examples of the types of teachers we were looking for, and the SAMPE Foundation congratulates and thanks them for their valuable work. We look forward to the future contributions that Capital’s and Hollenstein’s students will make to the United States’ industrial base and scientific community.”

The SME Education Foundation nominated Weber and Anthony for their commitment to the students at their schools and all they do as part of the Foundation’s PRIME® (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) initiative. Through PRIME, manufacturing students gain practical experience using state-of-the-art tools and equipment deployed within the industry, while teachers receive industry-relevant training. PRIME allows students and teachers to interact with industry experts and the latest innovations in manufacturing through a myriad of activities, including national SME events that students attend as exclusive guests and teachers go to for professional development.

Both teachers also embraced and implemented a project-based learning program for their students through a collaborative partnership the Foundation has with NASA and its HUNCH (High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware) initiative. This in-school program allows students to design and fabricate hardware for astronaut training and for use aboard the International Space Station, adding even more real-world relevance for Capital and Hollenstein students.

“We have excellent educators in our PRIME network, and it is always a privilege to recognize a teacher who goes above and beyond to inspire and prepare students for their future success,” said Brian Glowiak, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “Jim and Demitruis are excellent instructors as well as mentors, and we are proud to be their partners in offering students opportunities to gain relevant hands-on knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in manufacturing careers.”

In addition to leading his students through rigorous welding and machining curriculum, Weber oversees the school’s SkillsUSA chapter, and leads a partnership with Big Hearts Under the Big Sky — a Montana Outfitters and Guides Association program that provides outdoor experiences for veterans, children facing life-threatening illnesses and women fighting breast cancer.

“It is an honor to receive the William Dahlgren Award from the SAMPE Foundation,” said Weber. “Teaching and preparing the students of Capital High School to be excellent contributors to the manufacturing industry is a great passion of mine. It is my goal to teach the students to not only have the necessary skills, but also to be great people and adults.”

Anthony — also known as “coach” to his students — teaches the manufacturing engineering course, which emphasizes technical and practical applications of several manufacturing disciplines. In addition to his work at Hollenstein, Anthony teaches at a local community college and oversees a SkillsUSA chapter. He is also a mentor to a diversity of young minds; in the summer of 2016, Anthony organized an all-girls summer camp with engagement from an all-female engineering team at Lockheed Martin. He also led the effort to bring NASA’s HUNCH program to Hollenstein as a piece of core curriculum for that program.

“I am grateful to the SME Education Foundation for recognizing my work and nominating me for the William Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence Award,” said Anthony. “It is my hope to instill in students a desire to achieve success, especially in the areas of manufacturing and engineering. I appreciate the SME Education Foundation for their support in this pursuit. Together, we can help students become the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

About the SME Education Foundation

The SME Education Foundation is committed to inspiring, preparing and supporting the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists. Since its creation by SME in 1979, the SME Education Foundation has provided grants, scholarships and awards through its partnerships with corporations, organizations, foundations and individual donors. Each year, the Foundation awards several hundred scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and technology disciplines closely related to manufacturing. The organization also administers scholarship awards on behalf of major corporations connected to manufacturing. Additionally, the Foundation’s PRIME initiative was created to provide high school students with a tailored advanced manufacturing /STEM education.

Visit the SME Education Foundation at smeeducationfoundation.org. Follow @mfgeducation on Twitter or facebook.com/SME.Education.Foundation.

About SME

SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With more than 85 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through an education foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

About the SAMPE Foundation

In 2006, the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®) established its philanthropic arm, the SAMPE Foundation. Instilling an interest and passion for advanced materials and process in the next generation of leaders is a vital part of the foundation's mission. In order to realize this vision, the SAMPE Foundation promotes education and innovation in the fields of materials and processes on a global basis, particularly at the kindergarten through the 12th-grade level. The SAMPE Foundation allocates its funds to stimulate an interest in and provide access to the tools required for future technological growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Visit the SAMPE Foundation at SAMPEFoundation.org.

About SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®) is a global professional member society that provides enhanced educational opportunities, by delivering information on new and advanced materials and procession technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academicians. Learn more at SAMPE.org. 

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