Fredericktown Schools celebrate grand opening of Engineering & Manufacturing Academy

Excitement and pride filled the room on Friday, Feb. 27, as students, educators, community leaders, industry partners, and public officials gathered to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Fredericktown Engineering & Manufacturing Academy. The event marked more than the unveiling of a new educational space. It represented years of vision, collaboration, and commitment to preparing local students for meaningful careers while strengthening the future of the Fredericktown community.

Superintendent Gary Chapman welcomed a packed audience, recognizing the students, faculty, Board of Education members, community stakeholders, and elected officials who came together to celebrate what he described as a transformational moment for the district.

Chapman reflected on the initiative's roots, explaining that more than two decades ago, former Superintendent Dan Humphrey recognized a challenge common to many rural communities. Too often, Fredericktown graduates left home in search of opportunity and never returned. Humphrey envisioned something different.

His goal was to transform what many called a “brain drain” into a “brain trust,” creating opportunities for students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing without leaving the community they call home. That vision ultimately led Fredericktown Schools to secure a Lead the Way STEM grant through the State of Ohio, establishing middle and high school coursework focused on engineering and technical education.

“It was a strategic investment in our students and their future,” Chapman said. “And it continues to pay dividends for our school district, local industry, and our entire community.” That investment laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Friday’s celebration.

In 2023, district leaders began asking a new question that shifted their focus even earlier in the educational journey: What STEM opportunities are we providing to our youngest learners?

Chapman explained that early exposure to engineering, design, and problem-solving builds curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking skills. With strong support from the Fredericktown Board of Education, the district committed to developing a dedicated STEM classroom accessible to every kindergarten through fifth-grade student.

Under the leadership of Heather Brake, the elementary STEM program is now delivering hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences designed to spark creativity and build foundational skills for future success. Chapman invited guests to visit the elementary STEM lab located just steps away from the academy space.

The next chapter of innovation began unexpectedly in January 2025 when Chapman received an email outlining an opportunity to apply for a $185,000 Manufacturing Pathways Grant through Battelle.

Chapman immediately reached out to High School Principal Ryan Shoemaker with a simple message: ‘Get the team together and let’s go after it.’

With only a three-week turnaround, Chapman joked that Shoemaker didn’t have much opportunity to decline the challenge. Over two intensive days in late January, a dedicated team collaborated to develop the grant proposal.

“Success comes when we surround ourselves with talented people,” Chapman said with a smile. “You support them, you trust them, and understand when to get out of their way.” The result of that effort now stands as the Fredericktown Engineering & Manufacturing Academy.

Chapman expressed great pride in the staff members whose leadership and collaboration made the project possible. During the ceremony, marketing videos produced to recruit future students highlighted the academy’s purpose and potential impact.

One featured speaker, Julia Suggs, vice president of the Area Development Foundation, emphasized the importance of connecting education directly to workforce opportunity. Suggs explained that programs like this allow students to explore manufacturing and engineering careers early, helping them determine whether the pathway fits their interests and goals. Equally important, she noted, is the reality that Knox County offers strong career opportunities close to home. “We can confidently tell students that there are high-paying jobs right here in our county,” Suggs shared in the video. “These careers provide stability and a high quality of life without leaving the community.” Student Reese Hannan was also highlighted, sharing that he had dreamed of participating in a program like this since he was younger.

Principal Ryan Shoemaker followed Chapman at the podium, crediting the Battelle grant as the catalyst that turned vision into reality. He thanked district staff and industry partners, including Divelbiss Corp., Ariel Corp., FT Precision Inc., Kokosing, and UMD Automated Systems for investing in Fredericktown students and opening their doors to collaboration and real-world learning experiences.

“The heart of this program is our educators,” Shoemaker said. The academy will allow students to earn College Credit Plus credits, giving them a significant academic advantage before graduation. Shoemaker explained that students completing the program may earn more than 20 college credits toward a two-year associate degree while still in high school.

Junior Anson Wenger had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Wenger, who aspires to earn a degree in Aerospace Engineering and serve as an Air Force Development Engineer. “I want to work on the next generation of jet engines and fighter planes,” Wenger said.

The ceremony also included recognition from the State of Ohio. A representative from the office of Secretary of State Frank LaRose presented Shoemaker and academy students with a signed proclamation honoring the program’s launch and its contribution to workforce development.

Shoemaker then recognized Jessica Webb, Fredericktown’s Lead Engineering and Manufacturing teacher, whose vision played a central role in securing the grant. He shared that Webb invested more than 500 hours of professional training to prepare for the equipment and instructional components required for the academy.

According to Shoemaker, the idea first emerged during an everyday conversation while supervising parking lot duty, when Webb shared her vision for expanding engineering and manufacturing opportunities for students.

Workforce projections indicate that Knox County will need to fill more than 4,300 manufacturing jobs in the coming years. The academy serves as a direct response to that growing demand.

Beginning in their junior year, students will participate in a structured, academy-style format similar to a career immersion model. Coursework will include college-level engineering classes, as well as elective opportunities such as environmental engineering, college algebra, Advanced Placement science courses, and College Credit Plus composition.

“This program will change the future of our school and strengthen our community,” Shoemaker said. “Knox County is the county that builds things. We are building a skilled workforce, we are building opportunity, and we are building economic development.”

Teacher Jessica Webb noted that elements of the program have already begun this school year, including the implementation of selected equipment. The official launch of the full two-year academy model will begin next academic year.

Among attendees was Fredericktown graduate Silas Hoam, who completed high school just four years ago and is currently enrolled in Wright State University’s Electrical Engineering program. Hoam has already secured employment with Chem-Tech Consultants, Inc. in Fredericktown upon graduation next year. When asked what inspired his career path, Hoam smiled and offered a simple answer. “I love math,” he said. Looking ahead, he added that he is most excited about “putting my training and learning into practice.”

As the ribbon fell and applause filled the room, the message of the day was clear. The Fredericktown Engineering & Manufacturing Academy represents more than new equipment or coursework. It reflects a long-standing commitment to keeping talent local, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that Fredericktown students can learn, grow, and build successful futures right where they began.

For Fredericktown Schools, the vision first imagined more than 20 years ago has come full circle, and the future is now under construction.