Elks scholars understand the importance of a strong team, especially when your team is your family. Siblings share a lot of things, and for Dante Sylvester, that applies to the family business.

Dante has worked with his five brothers since he was just six years old in lawn care. When he started high school, he has also worked for a construction company during the summer and school breaks.

“I have been taught from a very early age that working and earning my way was respected,” says Dante.

To say Dante has a strong work and leadership ethic would be an understatement. Dante also served on the board of several programs in high school including the National Honor Society, Science Research Team and Future Business Leaders of America. Mentoring elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities is another one of Dante’s passions. He has dyslexia and wants to help students identify their strengths and show them they’re not alone.

“I offer them encouragement…and help them to realize that although they have their struggles, they are capable of achieving great things and their goals,” says Dante.

While he helps others reach their goals, Dante has also set some for himself. He will major in Marketing and minor in Business at Montana State University. From there, he either wants to work for a company or start his own. Regardless of which path he follows, he will keep giving back to his community.

“I want to continue to develop my mentoring program so that other kids can have the support that they need and so that society will be educated on hidden learning disabilities,” says Dante.

Dante hopes his experiences will allow him to bring a unique perspective to this year’s class of Elks scholars.

"I believe being an Elks scholar reinforces the values and ethics I already possess,” says Dante. “I am proud to be included with a group of individuals that strive for the same types of outcomes."

For 2017-18, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.89 million to fund the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, which includes 500 four-year scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $50,000. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit enf.elks.org/MVS.