Patrick Gorman
H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program

In 2013, Patrick Gorman rose to the rank of Eagle Scout by orchestrating a service project for Brainy Camps, a summer sleepaway program for kids with chronic health issues. His chosen cause wasn’t arbitrary.

Having attended one of the camps himself (first as a camper, and then as a counselor), Gorman knew that the transition from home to camp can be stressful—particularly for kids who find comfort in structured routines. He also knew that studies have shown tablet computers can reduce anxiety for certain children in times of stress. He knew this because he has a double diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome and Tourette syndrome.

With his family’s help, Gorman raised $3,800—enough to buy 10 iPads for Brainy Camps, a subsidiary of Children’s National Medical Center. He and his troop mates then researched and loaded the tablets with apps, games and instructional materials, and Gorman showed the camp counselors how to use them. He says it’s his proudest accomplishment to date.

Learning to communicate was a long struggle for the 19-year-old, who attended the Model Asperger Program at the Ivymount School in Rockville before making the transition to high school at H-B Woodlawn. But he’s clearly found his voice as an advocate. Four years ago, he attended “I’m Determined,” a summit for kids with disabilities sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. Since then he has served as one of the youth leaders who help plan and implement the summit every year.

“Patrick…is able to see who else is struggling and reach out to that kid and help them get involved,” says John McNaught, the state coordinator for the annual summit. “He’s super-helpful with kids on the autism spectrum.”

A resident of Arlington’s Williamsburg neighborhood, Gorman graduated from H-B this spring, but not without leaving his mark. He launched the school’s popular Minecraft club (in the online game, players use virtual blocks to build structures and entire worlds) and served as an “Action Team” captain, coordinating student service projects for the Arlington Food Assistance Center and a local group home for adults with intellectual disabilities.

As he prepares to enter his freshman year at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Gorman says the biggest challenge all along was overcoming his own self-doubt. “I never thought I would go to college,” he says. “Now I’ve come so far.”

—Amy Brecount White (photo by Erick Gibson)