Staff Report
SYRACUSE — After 25 years of leadership in Syracuse Boy Scout Troop 728, Don Curry is passing the reins of leadership to his protégé, Trevor Ritter, who earned his Eagle Scout award in 2003 under Curry’s tutelage.
Ritter began his Scouting career as a second-grader in Syracuse Cub Scout Pack 3828. With Curry as Scout leader, Ritter crossed over to Boy Scouts and rose through the ranks to achieve the status of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award.
After a hiatus of many years, Ritter returned to Scouting when his son, Trent, entered kindergarten and joined Cub Scouts as a Lion Cub. For the last five years, Ritter served as Cub master, relinquishing that role when his son crossed over to Boy Scouts. Now Ritter is taking over for his former Scout master.
“I’m thrilled that one of my Eagle Scouts has stepped into leadership,” stated Curry.
In Curry’s 25 years as Scoutmaster, he has seen 36 Scouts under his leadership achieve the rank of Eagle. His service also includes two years as district commissioner, committee chairman for the local troop, and several stints as Cub master for Syracuse Cub Scout Pack 3828. He plans to continue to be involved as a grandparent as he encourages his grandson Bently in his Scouting career.
“I have exciting plans to grow this troop and have a lot of fun with the boys,” stated Ritter. “I have big shoes to fill. Don has been a positive influence on my life growing up as a kid. I hope I can be that kind of mentor to the kids under my care.”
Troop 728 has been a continuing troop for 76 years. Over those years, 72% of boys who passed through the troop became Eagle Scouts.
Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club has served as the troop’s chartering organization since 1948 and built the current Scout Lodge on 20 acres of wooded property at 10433 E. County Road 500.
Troop 728 meets at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the Scout Lodge during the school year. Boys in sixth grade through high school are eligible to join.
For more information on joining the troop or volunteering, contact Ritter at 574-377-6177.
