Newnan High School 10th grader Ansley Knight returned from the Governor’s Award Luncheon April 18 with a third place award for her artwork supporting the state’s manufacturing industry.

Knight took third place in her division (grades 9-12) of the 2014 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $100 scholarship check at the MAW Governor’s Awards Luncheon held at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. 

“These winners are the best and the brightest, and our future depends on them and their understanding of the creative process,” said Larry Callahan, CEO of Pattillo Industrial Real Estate, as the awards were being presented.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. Winners were named for grades 9-12, 6-8, and K-5.

During the ceremonies, Gov. Nathan Deal named Georgia’s 2014 Manufacturers of the Year. Those included Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah and Brunswick in the large manufacturer category (more than 500 employees), Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas in Monroe in the medium manufacturer category (150-500 employees) and Tucker’s ddFoodSolutions in the small manufacturer category (fewer than 150 employees).

Co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated April 14-18. This was the 20th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia.

For more information on manufacturing and other industrial opportunities in Coweta County, contact the Coweta County Development Authority at 770-304-1777 or visit www.developcoweta.com