After months of planning, editing and filming students from 19 area schools packed the Santander Performing Arts Center for the inaugural “Whats So Cool About Manufacturing in Berks” video contest awards. Hosted by the Manufacturers Resource Center based in Allentown, Pa and Dream it. Do It PA, the video contest challenged Berks school students to film and produce a video based on a local manufacturing business.
During production of their videos students were given behind the scenes access to production lines, employees and products all providing a one of a kind chance to experience the culture of the manufacturing industry. Voting, which took place the first week of March gathered an impressive 65,000 votes through the Dream It. Do It Website.
Waiting for the show to begin we caught up with a few teams outside the auditorium. Students from Reading Northeast said they felt accomplished being able to put together their video with Berks Packing Company. They also mentioned visiting the plant and talking with employees changed the way think about how products are made.
Schuylkill Valley students, who featured Packaging Corporation of America said teamwork played an important role in their video. Each student was responsible for a different part of the production. PCA was very happy to be a part of the project.
“We got a call from MRC and were more than happy to say yes. They’re the next generation so it was a no brainier for us” said Soe Lee, employee of PCA.
With over 600 people in attendance for the awards ceremony John Weidenhammer, President of Weidenhammer Systems, inc. began the event by recognizing the hard work and long hours both students and teachers put into the the competition.
Speakers of the night included Jack Pfunder, CEO of Manufacturers Resource Center, State Senator Judy Schwank and a special video message from Governor Wolf.
“I thought the videos were amazing, funny and certainly memorable. Each video caught the essence of what manufacturing is all about in the 21 century.” – Judy Schwank, PA State Senator.
Award Winners
Overall Program: Muhlenberg Middle School featuring Appeeling Fruit Inc.
Videography: Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School featuring SAPA Extrusion
Creativity: Reading Southern Middle School featuring Remcon Plastics
Marketing Plan: Reading Northwest Middle School featuring Carpenter Technology Corp.
Viewers Choice: Tamaqua Area Middle School featuring Highwood USA
Outstanding Cool: Wilson West Middle School featuring Sweet Street Desserts Inc.
Educational Value: Wilson Southern Middle School featuring Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC.