Prep for Prep Celebrates Thomas Alston (XXII) at the Alumni Prize Reception

Prep for Prep hosted its annual Alumni Prize Reception on Wednesday, May 28 at the Studio Museum in Harlem, bringing together more than 100 attendees, including Prep for Prep alumni, staff, Associates Council members and Trustees; and family, friends, and coworkers of honoree Thomas Alston (XXII), to celebrate his leadership, service, and commitment to the organization.

The evening marked the first Alumni Prize Reception held at the newly reopened Studio Museum, a venue selected in partnership with Thomas, whose deep connection to Harlem and community-building was a recurring theme throughout the program.

Opening the event, Prep for Prep CEO Diahann J. Billings (VI) praised Thomas’ longstanding dedication to the organization.

“Not only does he have hustle, not only does he exhibit excellence, integrity, commitment and courage, but the truth is, this is a person who has given a lot of his time and his energy to our program,” Diahann said.

Diahann highlighted Thomas’ years of service as an advisor, Associates Council member, and advocate for Prep for Prep students. She also noted his role in building corporate partnerships and creating opportunities for young people interested in entrepreneurship.

Thomas' longtime friend and fellow Rye Country Day School alumnus Dr. Joshua Bennett delivered the introduction, tracing their friendship back to a morning in the fall of 2002 on the campus of their school. "What I always appreciate about Thomas is that the courageous, charismatic 15-year-old boy I met that day is still thriving in his heart and mind," Joshua said. "He never silenced himself in the name of adopting someone else's voice or mission."

In his acceptance speech, Thomas reflected on growing up in New York City and what Prep for Prep made possible. "Prep found me before I had the language to fully describe myself," he said, "and helped equip a hopeful, ambitious kid from East Harlem with the tools, confidence and imagination to walk into rooms that were not designed with him in mind and do so without any doubt that he belongs there nonetheless."

Thomas framed the honor not as a personal achievement but as a call to responsibility. "This recognition means so much to me not because it marks an arrival, but because it is a reminder of obligation, a reminder that to whom much is given, much is required."

Closing his remarks, Thomas encouraged alumni to remain engaged with the community that helped shape them.

“To the younger Prep alumni, come home and stay connected with this community. It will stretch you and remind you of who you are,” he said. “Bring your full self because the village welcomed us and raised us and now the village needs us.

Following the award presentation, Thomas was joined by Diahann and Alex Clavel, CEO of the SoftBank Vision Funds and a Prep for Prep Trustee, for a fireside chat. The conversation drew parallels between venture investing and Prep for Prep's own model of identifying young talent early.

Clavel, a Trinity School graduate who witnessed Prep for Prep students firsthand during his school years, spoke about the importance of risk-taking and mentorship. He encouraged alumni to share hard-won career wisdom with those coming up behind them, noting that the transitions young professionals face are ones that more experienced alumni are uniquely positioned to help navigate.

The evening concluded with a reception and networking opportunity, celebrating both Thomas’ accomplishments and the collective impact of the Prep for Prep community.