Muskogee 'Pirate' gives $10,000 anonymous donation to science fair

MUSKOGEE, Okla. - A Muskogee local legend known only as the "The Pirate" struck again Wednesday, seemingly without provocation or explanation -- and one high schooler couldn't be happier.

The Muskogee Regional Science and Engineering Fair received a $10,000 gift from the anonymous donor, identified only as a lawyer in the area.

The money means Sam Stratton, who took first place in medicine and health at the fair Wednesday afternoon, will be headed to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix free of charge.

"Thank you! It's a big deal!" the Muskogee high school senior said, expressing gratitude toward the town swashbuckler. "I know that science and stuff like that -- education, especially in Oklahoma -- is not a big thing, but it's a big thing to me. That's definitely something that's really going to help me out, and it's definitely going to be a big part of my life for the rest of my life.