A chance to grow

Although she did not win first place, her best memories from Hawaii and Australia, besides competing in an international cross-country meet, were visiting Pearl Harbor, petting kangaroos, and holding koalas.

Bronté Curley, 16, from Kaibito, Ariz., was selected to compete in the all-American and international cross-country race representing the state of Arizona in the Down Under Sports event.

From July 9 to 19, Curley spent her time prepping in Honolulu, Hawaii, and then traveling to Brisbane, Australia, to compete against approximately 150 runners.

The athletes were selected from high schools across the U.S. to form a team representing all 50 states.

Curley was one of the nine who represented Arizona.

She started competing four years ago when she was in eighth grade and raised $4,200 in two years with the help of her family and friends to cover the expenses for the trip.

An All-Region runner, Curley is a junior at Page High School. She placed 21st at the Grand Canyon Region 4A Division II state meet.

"She practices all the time especially when it comes to the Narbona Pass Classics," said her father Darrell Curley. "She runs the 10k all the time and never worries about how much she eats. She runs five miles every morning and evening to stay in shape."

On July 15, Curley placed 6th in the All-American 5K run and was in the top 10 in her age group (16-17).

She placed 11th in the International U.S. vs. Australia 10K run in her age group and came out 20th overall.

Curley received a third place bronze medal for the All-American run and a participation award for the international meet.

Curley returned with a new outlook.

"When she came back she seemed like a totally different person, more mature and independent," said her father.

Curley's favorite pastime is running. However, her second passion is ballet and jazz.

She is the 2009 Royal Academy of Dance Scholarship winner in two categories.

Curley received the highest score in her Intermediate Vocational Examination at Northern Arizona University in March 2009. She achieved the highest score of "distinction" among all the candidates in the studio with her Higher Grade Seven Examination, in April 2009.

According to her, dance has benefited her running form and prevented injuries.

"I've gained a lot of body strength and found muscles I never knew I had," said Curley. "Overall I just want to thank everyone who has helped me through everything and my parents for letting me go on the trip."

Curley intends to go to Brigham Young University to study performing arts and continue to run cross  country.

Curley is the youngest of three children of Darrell and Pauline Curley.

She is Hashtl'ishnii (Mud People Clan), born for Naasht'ézhí Tábaaha (Zuni Edge Water People Clan). Her grandparents are Ned and Gloria Curley from Chinle and Paul and Lena Beyal from Fort Defiance.

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