We are proud to share that three Life Pieces To Masterpieces alumni — Thomas Howard (above, top), Issiah Robinson (above, bottom), and James Bah (below) — were among 26 young people recognized by Attorney General Brian Schwalb as 2025 Right Direction Award recipients. These awards honor District youth who have overcome adversity and are leading efforts to make DC a safer, more hopeful community, and AG Schwalb celebrated them as young people who “brought their own seat to the table and led by example,” saying they “represent the best of our community and our future.”
FOX 5 DC featured James, Issiah, and Thomas, who grew up alongside LPTM and continue to serve our community. Brother James was thrilled to be a part of a city that would “recognize the youth and the power of leadership among the youth.” Brother Thomas, who began in Life Pieces at three years old, shared why he chooses every day to give back as an LPTM teacher: “I’ve been through a lot, but I don’t want to be another statistic. I want to show the younger ones they can do something positive.” Brother Issiah, who began at LPTM in elementary school and currently studies Bioinformatics at Bowie State University, shared how before he found Life Pieces, he was bullied for being “different.” Now, he’s a mentor because “I get to tell kids directly — you can be a scientist.”
WJLA further profiled Brother Thomas, spotlighting his commitment to guiding youth away from violence. He reflected on the power of the community support system he had for himself at Life Pieces, saying that when young people feel truly cared for, “you start to see yourself differently.” We are deeply inspired by these alumni — and grateful that their stories are being lifted up across the city.
