Captain Josh Curtis, Utah Military Academy (Hill Field)

“Captain Curtis is not your usual teacher, he is a bit of a rascal. He’s clearly ADHD, and test taking in his classroom is never silent. However, it is exactly these “flaws” that make him stand out above all teachers that my children have had. He deeply cares about his students and can be seen turning away to hide tears of joy and sorrow. He is the kind of man that no one wants to cross, but everyone wants to know better. The whole school adores him and would go to bat for him if he ever needed.
Specifically he has changed my son’s path and future. My son has grown up bouncing between the homes of his divorced parents, grandparents, and even a great aunt. He has ADHD, ODD, and all manner of behavioral issues, and has been dismissed as a problem throughout his life by more teachers and staff than I can count. He has never enjoyed school since his very first year in Kindergarten, and has struggled to even desire passing grades.
All that changed when he started in Capt. Curtis’s class. My son still struggles to keep all his grades up (some habits die hard), but his motivation, outlook of the future, and even depression have improved immeasurably. He has a vision now of how he can be successful despite his shortcomings, because Captain has become his role model.
In my family and my son’s life, Captain is an angel sent from God to touch lives and make a difference.”

-Sarah