An Early NHS Graduate Heads For Basic Training

By Larissa Lytwyn

Dylan Borst, 17, is an anomaly among most youth his age. While many teens approach their post-high school years with a sense of trepidation regarding their future, Dylan is moving forward with confidence.

Since he was in eighth grade, Dylan wanted to join the armed forces.

On February 9, Dylan took the first step toward making his dream come true. He left for basic training in Fort Jackson, S.C.

Though a good student, “I’m not really a school person,” said Dylan. “I knew I wasn’t ready to do the college thing just yet.”

Dylan was, however, ready to further develop his interest in science and technology.

He is going to be a crewmember of the army’s artillery division working on the MLR, or the Multiple Launch Rocket System. The MLR allows troops to shoot weaponry across a distance as great as 100 miles.

Dylan’s parents, Laurie and James Borst, are happy that their son is not going to be on the frontlines.

“We are very supportive of Dylan,” said Ms Borst, “and I admit, I feel good that he’s going to be more behind-the-scenes.”

Mr Borst praised his son’s independent spirit and innate sense of purpose. “We are very proud of him,” he said.

For the past few years, Dylan had been exploring a number of options in the military, including the National Guard and the ROTC.

But working in artillery allowed him to further his skills in math and engineering. His full-steam-ahead nature gave him the initiative to graduate a semester early from Newtown High School to arrive for basic training on schedule.

He met Sgt Joseph Hixon, an Army recruiter, during Newtown High School’s career fair last spring. Dylan is now embarking on a three-year enlistment.

A propensity for the sciences, meanwhile, seems to run in the family: his father is an engineer and his mother is a biologist.

Dylan’s twin sister, Wendy, however, describes herself as more the “artsy” type. She is currently waiting to hear back from a number of colleges, including top-choices New York University and Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Penn.

The aspiring secondary education English teacher said she was proud of her brother’s drive and achievement. “We’re all just very supportive of him,” she said.

Dylan’s paternal grandparents, Barbara and Joseph Borst, also said they were proud of Dylan.

The elder Mr Borst served in the US Air Force in the years between World War II and the Korean War.

“The experience allowed me to mature quickly, as you could imagine,” he said. “I think this experience will also allow Dylan to further mature and develop.”

Mr Borst said he never regretted a “moment” of his experience in the Air Force.

“When I first saw Dylan’s interest in the armed forces, I immediately encouraged him to look into the Air Force!” Mr Borst said with a chuckle. “But being in artillery really seems to suit his skills and interests very well.”

Added his wife, “We’re all just so proud of him!”

On the evening of February 7, Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff and the Newtown High School guidance department hosted a special reception for Dylan.

On the evening before Dylan’s departure to Fort Jackson, the entire Borst family enjoyed an intimate family dinner at one of Dylan’s favorite restaurants.

After completing Basic Training, Dylan will begin his job training in Fort Sill, Okla.

“We wish him the best,” said his mother. “He’s going to do great!”