Big adventure in Laos became mission of love

The Price Auditorium at Severn School was packed, standing room only, Feb. 6. Teachers were standing in the doorways, craning for a view of the stage.

But it wasn't a rock star that riveted the attention of the Severn School community. The solitary figure in the spotlight's glow was Patrick Cook-Deegan, 21, a former football star and lacrosse All-American from Annapolis High School's Class of 2003.

Mr. Cook-Deegan isn't the self-described jock who left Annapolis to attend Brown University three and a half years ago. He thought he'd become a politician or professional lacrosse player. Instead, he's evolving into an education...