Bensalem HS Marine Corps Cadets Attend Leadership Program

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Three cadets from the Bensalem High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) attended a Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program provided by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge from Thursday, March 31 to Sunday, April 3.

During the four-day leadership program, Cadets Liam Robinson, Jason Baffour, and Nicholas Donnelly were given the opportunity to interact with experts on citizenship, democracy, the judiciary, the political process, and the free enterprise system.

Thought-provoking lectures, historical tours of Valley Forge, and experiential workshops were just a few aspects of the cadets' trip. All the activities were designed to develop leadership skills and deepen an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of engaged citizenship.

“The time I had at the Freedom Foundation was very interesting because they were able to
show me how each branch of our government really has their own special way of doing things,” said Cadet Donnelly.

“I really liked the food because it was great burgers, fries and sodas. I learned and was really surprised that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were enemies,” said Cadet Baffour.

Cadet Robinson said, “I really enjoyed the guest speaker, Mr. Chris Rothey who addressed entrepreneurship. He gained my interest because he related how he overcame many obstacles to become a CEO of a multi-million dollar company.”

The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that educates students on American rights and responsibilities, honors acts of civic virtue, and challenges all to serve their community and country.

"We motivate Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves, inspired by the wisdom and good will of founders who could disagree yet still join together in common cause," the foundation said on their website. "Here, thousands of students and teachers study not only what is expected of government, but also what is required of good citizens."

Since its educational mission began in 1949, Freedoms Foundation has impacted over 20 million students.