ATAS takes a CHANCE

ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa., recently took on an additional role in sustainable development by being a co-sponsor of the first CHANCE Idol competition, a contest created by CHANCE, or Connecting Humans and Nature through Conservation Experiences. CHANCE, a partnership of the Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is a professional development program that trains 9th to 12th grade Pennsylvania teachers about environmental science technology and ecology. The CHANCE Idol competition brought students into the eco-limelight by challenging Pennsylvania high school students to write environmentally focused song lyrics composed to a favorite song. Music videos of the new songs were uploaded to YouTube for judging. In addition, entrants were asked to submit a project proposal illustrating how the prize money would be used to make their school community more sustainable. At the award ceremony on Sept. 17, Jim Bus, vice president of ATAS, presented a $2,500 check to the winners: Claire Kelly and Carrie Strunk, both of Pocono Mountain East High School in Swiftwater, Pa. “ATAS International is proud to support CHANCE and the program’s commendable efforts to increase the environmental awareness of our Pennsylvania teachers,” Bussaid. “These experienced teachers are in turn helping our youth understand environmental responsibility, and that is an important step in sustaining everyone’s future.” The young ladies won for their video “The Three Rs,” and they hope to use the prize money to create a community garden and outdoor theater at a nearby community park. The video and more details about the program can be found at www.chance.psu.edu. For more information on ATAS, visit www.atas.com.