ALLENDALE (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce is giving its 2018 Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship to Michael Conflitti, of Allendale High School.
As a student, Michael achieved a 4.35 GPA while taking challenging advanced-placement courses and was ranked second in his class. Outside of school, Michael was involved in Rotary Interact, National Honors Society, and his church youth group. Michael is also a member of the Allendale High School varsity baseball team.
The selection process is based on an essay on the topic of “building a better business community,” and applicants are judged on leadership, citizenship, and involvement in school and community activities.
According to Janessa Smit, executive director of the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce, a common phrase used to describe Michael in his scholarship letters of recommendation was “leadership.” “His history of volunteerism and community involvement only underscores his desire to be a good citizen and servant leader,” Smit said.
A unique aspect of Michael’s skill set was the creation and growth of his own YouTube channel, which demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit. Fittingly, Michael will be attending Grand Valley State University this fall to pursue a double major in marketing, and film and video studies.
Ending his essay on “building a better business community,” Michael writes, “as Allendale continues to grow, so will the business community that supports it. When business owner’s care about the people in their community as much or more than just making the next sale, then trust is built and everyone wins.”
Since 2008, the Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund has awarded a $500 scholarship to an Allendale-area senior who has been accepted and will be attending Grand Valley State University following their high school graduation. The Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to encouraging post-secondary education as an economic development and retention tool. This scholarship is part of an ongoing effort for the business community to support student achievement and keep talent local.
