What's So Cool About Manufacturing® Video Contest - South Florida

On April 17, 2026, FLATE, in partnership with the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA), part of the FloridaMakes network, proudly celebrated the participants and winners of the first ever “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® South Florida” student video contest. South Broward High School hosted the red-carpet awards ceremony.

This milestone event marked the culmination of months of dedication, creativity, and collaboration. Middle school students from Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties stepped into the world of manufacturing storytelling—showcasing real companies, real careers, and real impact—while being guided and encouraged every step of the way by committed teacher-mentors and local manufacturers who generously shared their time, expertise, and passion for the field.

What stood out most was the students themselves—their curiosity, teamwork, and pride in telling manufacturing stories that matter. Each video reflects not just technical learning, but growth in confidence, communication, and career awareness.

A heartfelt thank you to all students, educators, industry partners, and judges who made this inaugural South Florida celebration such a success. Together, we are building more than a contest—we are strengthening the talent pipeline and opening students’ eyes to the many exciting STEM and manufacturing pathways in our region.

Congratulations to all participating teams:

• Bak MS – Scientific Instruments (Sicryo) (Outstanding Educational Value Winner), Coached by Shannon Owens
• Pompano Beach – Vector Climate (Outstanding Overall Program Winner), Coached by Orlando Morales
• Christa McAuliffe MS – Baker Hill Industries Inc. (Career Pathway Award Winner), Coached by Liz Laishley
• Hammocks MS – Costa Farms (Viewers Choice Award Winner), Coached by Lois Seaman,
• Palm Springs – WeeDoo Green Boat, Coached by Tara Simone McAlonan
• Attucks MS – Decimal Engineering Inc., Coached by Joseph Wells
• Millennium – CTS Engineering, Coached by Antonio Lee
• Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts – Mr. Glass Doors & Windows Manufacturing, Coached by Dr. Eric Martinez
• South Miami Middle – Miami Growth Machine, Coached by Alexander Gonzalez and Abraham Camayd

Special thanks to Greg Serio for his technical advice, South Broward High School for hosting, and to the Broward County Schools Career, Technical, Adult & Community Education (CTACE) Dream Team—Loli Formoso and Bryan O’Toole—for coordinating and making this event possible.

The “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® videos can be viewed at https://fl-ate.org/whatssocool/.