The following is a Q&A with Dylan Deboisbriand, a senior at Portsmouth High School and the 2023 winner of the $5,000 Fast Track Scholarship.

You just won the Fast Track $5,000 scholarship, how do you feel?
I feel great. It’s amazing.

What was your first reaction when you found out you won?
I was shocked, and then the realization hit afterwards. Adam gave me a phone call and that’s how I found out I had won.

What was it that originally piqued your interest in the automotive industry?
My grandpa, when I was a kid, was really into cars and especially the loud muscle cars. He kind of got me into that scene.

Is there any area of the field that you are most interested in working in?
Really, just general automotive.

Is there anything specific about that for you?
Engines and stuff. I like learning about how cars work and getting to work on them.

As you look at how the automotive industry is changing, is there anything that you are excited to see coming?
Been learning a little bit about electric cars. Obviously, those are going to be a lot more prevalent in the future.

Are you involved in or interested in any automotive hobbies?
Not much experience with those, but it isn’t something I’d be opposed to in the future.

As you look at the various options for higher education in the field, what are some of the things you are hoping that college can help you learn or support you in?
Nothing specifically right now. I’m just looking for a way to learn the most and do the most I can.