Nicholas Conti from Falconer, New York, was recently named the 2015 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held in Joliet, Illinois. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one U.S. or Canadian student for outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. Conti received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and round-trip airfare and accommodations for himself and a guest to attend the NACAT conference.

Conti recently completed two years at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York, where he earned an associate’s degree in business administration. During that time, he worked part-time at his family’s auto repair shop. He will attend Alfred State, a residential college of technology, in the fall in the automotive service technician program and is on pace to graduate in May 2017. His career goal is to own an automotive repair business, and eventually become the owner and operator of his family’s business, Conti’s Service Center Inc.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Nicholas Conti for his outstanding achievement and strong dedication to pursuing educational excellence in the automotive technology field,” said Nick DiVerde, senior marketing director, Mitchell 1. “With Nicholas’ drive and enthusiasm for making a difference in the aftermarket, we know he will one day accomplish his dreams.”

To be eligible for the Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student scholarship, applicants must be a current student majoring in automotive technology/auto shop repair course work and must meet the following criteria: be nominated by his/her NACAT instructor, maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, have plans to attend (or already be enrolled in) an accredited college or university, and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.