Boy Scout Michael Curry is a junior at Bellarmine Preparatory School and a member of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 436 in Lakewood. He is the son of Dr. Thomas Curry and his wife Rachanee Curry, both Army veterans.  

He's been active in scouting since joining the Cub Scouts in the first grade, and it's not often that two interests can combine in such a serendipitous way. In addition to scouting, Michael has a love of the Japanese language. He's in his sixth year studying Japanese: he took three years at the Charles Wright Academy and three years at Bellarmine. In August 2015, he traveled to the 23rd World Scout Jamboree, which took place in Kirarahama, Yamaguchi, in Japan.

"I think being able to attend the World Jamboree, in part due to my experience in speaking the Japanese language, (and) the opportunity to meet so many people from different cultures, has been probably the biggest influence on who I am today and how I treat people from other countries or organizations," he said.

Michael has completed his Eagle Scout Project and is on track to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 2018 -- an accomplishment that fewer than five percent of scouts achieve. He is a member of the Tribe of Mic-o-say, a scouting honor society, and holds the rank of Tom Tom beater. Michael also participates with a dance team that performs at events and scouting ceremonies. As a scout, he has contributed countless volunteer hours in support of the local community and his fellow scouts.

At Bellarmine, Michael is a three-year member of the Junior Varsity Lacrosse Team. He is also a member of the school's FIRST Team 360, a FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition Team. Students have six weeks to plan, design and build a robot. After a series of competitions, FIRST Team 360 has qualified for the World Championship in Houston, Texas, later this month. Thousands of students from all over the world will compete in the event.

Military kids don't get to pick this crazy life, but it does have advantages.

"Growing up as a part of the military communities in North Carolina, California, Hawaii and Washington has afforded Michael the opportunity to appreciate different cultures and (make) friends," said Rachanee. "(It's shown him) the importance of contributing to make your community better and helped (him) to develop personally in resiliency, persistence and compassion."

Like many high school juniors, Michael has begun to think about his future as the 2017-2018 school year draws to a close. In addition to taking SATs and finalizing college applications, he is preparing for the prestigious and competitive Evergreen Boys State leadership program, where he will spend a week this summer learning the structure and practical operation of government and practical citizenship. Students run a mock state government and will participate in leadership roles. Michael has a bright future ahead of him.