Michael has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 59 in Bethlehem for seven years under the leadership of Scoutmaster Blair Albrecht. After earning every rank in Cub Scouting and receiving his Arrow of Light, Michael joined Troop 59.

He has earned a total of 37 merit badges and has served as patrol leader, troop guide, and senior patrol leader for three one-year terms.

Michael's Eagle project was the construction and installation of a spiritual library in Seidel Hall of St. Teresa of Avila's Church in his hometown of Woodbury.

With help and guidance from a parishioner, Mr. Brian Maloney, he completed his project, which now houses more than 500 books, audio tapes and videos for parishioners to borrow.

This fully-functioning library includes books donated by parishioners and has already proven to be a great resource for the parish since it was officially opened in early February.

Michael is a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, the National Honor Society of Scouting. He has been in numerous positions in the former Mattatuck Chapter, and is now chapter chief of Nonnewaug Chapter.

He is the second highest ranked officer in Tschitani Lodge as the vice chief of administration.

He has received national recognition for his portrayal of an Indian character, Nutiket, an award which was given only to seven teams out of more than 300 at the 2004 National Order of the Arrow Conference in Ames, Iowa.

He has also been awarded the World Conservation Award, the Tschitani Lodge Silver Lodge Flap for dedicated service and the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem.

He has been on a number of national and international trips, including the 2001 and 2005 National Scout Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Virginia, and the Windsor International Guides and Scouters conference in Windsor, United Kingdom. He has served as a ranking officer on each of these trips.

Outside of scouting, Michael is extremely active in his community and at Holy Cross High School prior to his recent graduation. He was a member of the Holy Cross student government, and held a seat on the Senior Life Board.

He was a varsity swimmer on the boys' swim team and National Honor Society officer. He was also a volunteer sixth grade religious education teacher at St. Teresa's, a member of the church youth group, and the founder of his "Leaf Cancer Behind" campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Michael will be attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield in the fall.