The Virginia Highlands Community College Precision Machining program earned statewide recognition this week, bringing home both Gold and Silver medals in the Virginia Manufacturers Association’s (VMA) inaugural Future Makers competition.
The awards were announced this past Friday evening during the annual VMA Gala in Richmond. The Future Makers track highlights completed prototypes designed and manufactured by Virginia students.
The winning projects were engineered by a group of five students during the 2025–2026 academic year, combining technical skill with practical application.
The Gold Medal was awarded for the team's Ram Pump. Inspired by utility disruptions in Southwest Virginia following Hurricane Helene, students designed a heavy-duty hydraulic pump that moves water using gravity and pressure without fuel or electricity. Built from stainless steel, brass, and aluminum, the durable pump provides a reliable water transfer method for emergency home use or rural irrigation.
The Silver Medal was awarded for the Official Graduation Mace. The team designed and fabricated the college's official ceremonial mace, turned from solid aluminum and brass bar stock with custom-engraved plates featuring the college seal and mascot. The mace was first used for the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies and will be featured in future graduations.
Both projects were taken from concept to final assembly in the campus machining lab using Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD software, Haas CNC machining centers, manual lathes, and Markforged 3D printers under the guidance of Program Chair Johnnie Keene.
Learn more about hands-on technical training and degree options at VHCC by visiting our careers & programs page.
Read the full press release about the Virginia Manufacturing Cup.