The Cornerstone Community
Check out these stories and testimonials from Cornerstone community members!
Meet Christopher Wilson - Cornerstone Alum & Staff Member
Christopher Wilson is a young man with a warm personality who exudes the love of Christ. Chris grew up in Southeast DC where he struggled in the public school system. In seeking a local and financially accessible Christian school option, his mom enrolled him in Cornerstone for sixth grade.
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Initially skeptical, Chris was won over by the intentional care and support he received. He explains, “Cornerstone cared for me and I needed to keep going and not give up … I appreciate all of my Cornerstone mentors who made me the man I am today. They were hard on me yet also encouraged me, and they cared about my faith, academics, basketball (three championships!), and my personal life.”
After graduation, God led him back “home” as a full-time Cornerstone staff member. He desires to be a friend and mentor to kids like him because he understands that “without mentors and father figures, many kids in our neighborhood lack guidance and feel alone and lost, which can lead to dark paths and negative behaviors. That could have been me.”
Chris is a staff-and-student magnet, regularly greeting people with a hug and a “let me pray for you.” He is often found listening to, encouraging, tutoring, and praying for his “younger brothers and sisters,” or challenging them to a friendly competition on the basketball court.
Chris lives with selfless gratitude that is bringing generational change to his neighborhood.
Meet Kristian - Cornerstone Senior & Afterschool Volunteer
“I have been at Cornerstone since I was in the fifth grade. I really like how the staff does a good job of connecting with us as students. When it comes to what I enjoy learning in class, I really like Trigonometry. It’s like taking everything you have learned in math and tying it together. My hope is to continue my education at Bowie State or VCU. My goal is to be a journalist or a teacher.”
Meet Therm James - Local Pastor and Cornerstone Volunteer
“I love that Cornerstone is educating children while also giving them an understanding of the Christian faith. I volunteer because Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We all have something we can give, and our time means more than we know. I love the energy of being around the students who are trying to find their way in life. It is so great to see them developing themselves. One of my favorite Partner Day memories is the time I somehow found myself outside playing basketball in my dress shoes!”
