WASHINGTON — Twenty-nine teenagers and young adults from across D.C. were recognized by the Office of the Attorney General for resiliency, leadership and achievements on Tuesday.
The Right Direction Awards were established in 2015 by the OAG, and more than 220 young people have been honored since then. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said these young people who are being recognized are making D.C. a better place to live, work and visit.
“So many young people in the District are doing extraordinary things, often against extraordinary odds. It’s crucial that we celebrate their achievements, recognize their potential and support them,” Schwalb said in a press release.
The awards celebrated “champions rising to the challenge.” Many of the people who were honored have overcome challenges such as homelessness, gun violence and parental incarceration, according to the release.
Two adult role models were also honored. Salih Williams, the program director of Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program, and Latisha Coleman, the principal of John Hayden Johnson Middle School, both received youth empowerment recognition awards.
Here is the complete list of award recipients:
Aaliyah Mathis, 18 years old, Ward 5
Ahmad Woodard, 24 years old, Ward 8
April Norman, 17 years old, Ward 8
Ay'Maya Murchison, 19 years old, Ward 7
Ayotunde Ejiko, 18 years old, Ward 7
Ayrrika James, 18 years old, Ward 8
Brielle Young, 14 years old, Ward 8
Courtland McNair, 20 years old, Ward 7
Daniel Barnes, 18 years old, Ward 8
David Adams, 21 years old, Ward 7
Dawuan Mclean, 17 years old, Ward 5
Deniesha Tyree, 21 years old, Ward 6
Donzeal Davis, 18 years old, Ward 8
Emani McNeil, 17 years old, Ward 2
Jajuan Burley, 18 years old, Ward 8
Jamari Mcilwain, 17 years old, Ward 8
Jordan Williams, 17 years old, Ward 7
Kai Webb, 15 years old, Ward 8
Lourdes Robinson, 18 years old, Ward 5
Lucious Crawford, 18 years old, Ward 4
Marlon Holder, Jr., 14 years old, Ward 8
Mike Adjanla, 17 years old, Ward 7
Mya Stuckey, 18 years old, Ward 5
Nevaeh Simpson, 17 years old, Ward 7
Nya Tucker, 18 years old, Ward 7
Raikez Cofield, 19 years old, Ward 8
RaMal Randall, 14 years old, Ward 8
Sydney Mack, 18 years old, Ward 8
Trinity Tinker, 15 years old, Ward 6
Salih Williams, Program Director, Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program – Youth Empowerment Recognition Award
Latisha Coleman, Principal, John Hayden Johnson Middle School – Youth Empowerment Recognition Award