Min. Alicia Stewart-Smith Volunteer/Staff Member Proud Parent of three sons who attended The Fishing School for eight years
Lionel, 28, William, 35, Michael, 26 (went to TFS one summer), Victor, 29, Japhiree, 26, and Min. Alicia Stewart-Smith
The Fishing School has played a major role in a goal I’ve been praying over for my sons since they were very young. I once read an article that said in households with four or more children, one of them is likely to end up in jail. That really stuck with me. It made me pray for my boys even more and be extra mindful about who and what I allowed around them, from daycare to after-school programs. I only wanted them to learn from wholesome people, especially anyone who would be teaching them.
The Fishing School has always aligned itself with godly morals and values, something every child needs to be taught. The lessons my sons received at The Fishing School helped reinforce the values I was already trying to instill. The staff/team showed my boys that there are better ways to spend their time. The Fishing School understands that a child’s mind needs consistent guidance to keep doing what’s right.
Thank you for being such a vital part of my village. Because of your support and teachings, my sons didn’t become statistics. They’re now husbands, partners, fathers, and entrepreneurs. They give back to their community, and I truly believe that without The Fishing School, reaching this goal would’ve been much harder.
Dwight S. Deloatch Former Student Attended The Fishing School for three years
As a proud alumnus of The Fishing School, I’m one of the many students who have been blessed by the heartfelt support of Mr. Tom Lewis, the TFS staff, and its supporters over the past 35 years.
Mr. Lewis had a powerful vision: to provide quality, affordable education to low-income youth in Washington, DC. I still remember being picked up and shuttled from Stuart Hobson Middle School to The Fishing School on Wylie Street. Every evening, we received a good meal and helped with our homework. But what stuck with me most was Mr. Lewis’ grace and his unwavering belief that each of us could strive for excellence. He often reminded us of his favorite quote: “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; if you teach a man to fish, he will feed himself for a lifetime.”
Receiving The Fishing School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019 was a deeply meaningful milestone in my life. In 2022, I earned my Master of Business Administration from Delaware State University. Today, I serve as a Senior Budget Analyst at East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, a nonprofit in Washington, DC. As I now prepare to enter law school to become a civil rights attorney, I stand as living proof that when you invest in youth, you help build futures and cultivate dreams.
Joseph Neal Former Student Attended The Fishing School for eight years
Having spent my formative years at The Fishing School, my horizons were significantly broadened. I’m deeply grateful for the many opportunities it afforded me, opportunities I likely would not have encountered elsewhere. The enjoyable trips, daily outdoor recreation, and intensive after-school homework help build a solid foundation. These experiences cultivated in me a deep appreciation for the power of community and sparked a sincere desire to strive for more, not just for myself, but for the broader human family.
I learned that dreams can fade not only without a strong work ethic, but also without the self-awareness that comes from honestly examining one’s faults, an essential part of growth. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have been part of a nurturing community that consistently pushed me, and so many others, to become the best versions of ourselves. Life’s challenges can sometimes harden us, creating blind spots to both the positive and negative ways we affect the world around us. But The Fishing School helped open my eyes, and my heart.
My mission now is to give back by offering the same foundational support that was once so generously given to me. To that end, I’ve earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, and I currently serve parishes across the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. I’m also a proud board member of Samaritan Ministries of Greater Washington and contribute to an economic empowerment board focused on shaping public policy that better serves marginalized communities.
Lynn Taylor Former Staff Member of 13 Years
Reflecting on my time at The Fishing School under the leadership of Mr. Tom Lewis, I see now that it was more than just a job, it was a sanctuary for inner-city youth. Mr. Lewis led with purpose and heart, offering not just leadership, but true ministry. He taught us real-life skills and gave countless youth like me a chance when we needed it most. His hands-on, no-nonsense approach pushed us to see the greatness in ourselves.
Today, I’m proud to say I own 13 buses and work full-time for the Department of Transportation. I also travel the country with the Highway QCs, a professional Gospel Quartet. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am without Tom Lewis. He saw my potential and helped me grow into it. Thank you, Fishing School, for the priceless gift you gave me.
