Anonymous Donor Funds Patriots Point Trip for 1,500 Berkeley County 5th Graders

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, roughly 1,500 Berkeley County 5th graders are participating in a leadership program at Patriots Point this month. Their visit is funded through a $17,000 donation and covers all but transportation to Patriots Point.

“It’s the season of giving and a local donor really stepped up to the plate,” Patriots Point Education Director Keith Grybowski said. “One student told us it was his dream to come on the Yorktown, and what an inspiration it is to witness a dream come true, “ he added.

Through the leadership program, students are immersed in a top secret mission developed around the true story of the Doolittle Raid that took place in 1942. The hands-on simulation encourages “leadership through doing,” incorporating multiple math concepts and state of the art technology. The other component of this newly developed program gives students the opportunity to not only learn leadership principles but “walk in the steps of heroes,” who have lived the principles discussed.

“These kids are the leaders of our future, and we take that seriously,” Patriots Point Education Director Keith Grybowski said. “We work to foster critical thinking skills and instill confidence of a good leader during their visit at Patriots Point, all while teaching them about the heroes who fought for our freedom,” he added.