Paul Danenberg from Nampa, Idaho, was recently named the 2016 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student during the 43rd annual North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held in Pasadena, Texas. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one U.S. or Canadian student for outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. Danenberg 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.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Paul Danenberg 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 Paul’s drive and enthusiasm for auto diagnostics and repair, we know he will one day accomplish his dreams.”

Danenberg attends the College of Southern Idaho, where he is enrolled in the automotive program, working toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree in automotive technology. When he’s not in school, Danenberg works at Dennis Dillion GMC in Boise, Idaho.

He will graduate May 2017 and plans to stay at the dealership until he is able to purchase the tools and gain the experience he needs to either open his own automotive shop or run a business where he travels to different shops to diagnose difficult vehicle problems.

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.