Atras receives S. Truett Cathy Scholar Award

Rob Atras (left) accepts his scholarship from Chick-fil-A at Bradford Square owner Norman Dull on March 27. (RECORD PHOTO/ALDO AMATO)

By Aldo Amato

Staff Reporter

MADISON – Chick-fil-A at Bradford Square team member Rob Atras received the S. Truett Cathy Scholar Award for $1,000 on March 27.

Atras, now a freshman at the University of Alabama, said that the scholarship means so much and that it will help contribute to expenses while studying pre-law.

“It’s a blessing and its helpful will all of school,” he said. “It’s really expensive to go to college these days and it means a lot for me to get it.”

The award, named after Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, is given to 25 winners who are chosen annually from among the chain’s 1,600 Leadership Scholarship winners, all of whom are employed at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country.

Franchise owner and operator Norman Dull, who received the same scholarship in 1987, said that Atras’ leadership skills are exceptional and that he took initiative on a regular basis.
“Robert is a great mentor to new team members,” he said. “He exhibited the qualities we look for in team members with character.”

Dull said that one of the things that made Atras stand out was his ability to turn any situation into a fun one for the customer.

“I remember one time during Customer Appreciation day when we had a long line and it was crazy,” he said. “Rob was out at the front counter entertaining some of our guests and they love to see that. He’s just great at interacting with people.”

Atras is on a board at the University of Alabama that is designed to help students eat healthy and prevent ailments like diabetes. He is also a member of Dean’s List.

Atras’ older brother Reza said that Rob has displayed his leadership characteristics ever since he can remember.

“He always goes the extra mile,” Atras said. “And I think that is what makes him a great leader and reflects on how he leads by example.”