H. Edward Fry II wins FLATE 2022 Distinguished Manufacturing Secondary Educator-of-the-Year

H. Edward Fry II, CTE Instructor at Nature Coast Technical High School in Brooksville, FL will receive the 2022 Distinguished Manufacturing Secondary Educator-of-the-Year Award. The Award represents a joint effort between FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center), FloridaMakes and FAITE (Florida Association for Industrial and Technical Educators) to recognize contributions of educators and industries in advancing technician education and training on a regional and statewide level. Fry will be recognized at the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE) Annual Conference & Trade Show that will be held July 18-20, 2022 at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and at the 2022 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on October 13th.

Fry worked in the Manufacturing sector in the area of custom-designed automation dating back to the late 1980’s. He had the opportunity to work in several different areas of manufacturing including fabrication/paint, assembly, and engineering as well as Sales / Applications Engineer. While working in the sector, Fry had multiple opportunities to contribute to engineering and manufacturing technology education. Beginning with training co-workers on how to operate specific software (CAD, Spreadsheets), Fry also directed the work of student interns from local high schools. He hosted educator visits for his company through the “Educators in the Workplace” program, part of Blueprint 2000.

In 2009, Fry became a full-time educator and has since prepared hundreds of students for manufacturing careers both inside and outside of the classroom. As the Instructor for Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies at Nature Coast Technical High School in Hernando County, Fry has taught Engineering Technology, Drafting & Illustrative Design Technology, Machining 1, Manufacturing Directed Study, Technical Design, Automation & Production Technology, and Production Technology. He is currently teaching the Applied Engineering Technology Program of Study while offering Advanced Technology Applications to students who have completed the Program of Study and wish to remain actively enrolled in the program. The program offers students the opportunity to train and certify in industry certifications including, but not limited to: MSSC Certified Production Technician, MSSC Certified Logistics Technician, Certified SolidWorks Associate, and RECF Pre-Engineering / Robotics certifications. 

Fry has also provided instructional services to Suncoast Technical Education Center, which is the adult education division of the Hernando County School District in the areas of Machining Technologies, as well as logistics. He was a part-time instructor for the AmSkills Pre-Apprenticeship program for several years and has participated in after-school trainings, student mentorship programs, robotics teams, and summer camps. Continuing to inspire students outside the classroom, Fry enjoys working with community stakeholders and industry partners to expose students to manufacturing careers though events such as Manufacturing Day, Career & Internship Fairs, Mock Interviews, STEM/STEAM Nights, and CTE Expos.

For information on the FLATE Awards visit http://fl-ate.org/programs/flate-awards, or contact Executive Director of FLATE, Dr. Marilyn Barger at Marilyn.Barger@flate.org.