Alum Lucas Thorpe is blending the personal and professional to build a career giving back to the community he loves. The native of Dorchester County founded ALL4LOVE, a mentoring program for at-risk youth in the area.

“Growing up in a small, close-knit community shaped a lot of who I am and gave me a deep appreciation for local connections and the unique character of the Eastern Shore. The Eastern Shore has always been my home, and I’m proud to be part of a community that values tradition, resilience, and growth,” he said.

When he graduated from North Dorchester High School in 2019, Mr. Thorpe began his college journey at Chesapeake College. He had originally planned to attend the University of South Carolina, but staying closer to home made financial sense, he said.

“Chesapeake College became a clear choice because of its reputation for supporting students, and I was fortunate enough to receive the Presidential Honors Scholarship on my senior awards night. I’ll never forget that moment—meeting Princess Williams, Chesapeake’s Director of Financial Aid, who believed in me and opened this door,” Mr. Thorpe said. “I was surrounded by staff and faculty who genuinely cared, including my advisor, Amber McGinnis, who went above and beyond to ensure I felt supported. Chesapeake was more than a stepping stone; it was a place where I truly felt valued and encouraged.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Mr. Thorpe said he felt called to serve his home community. Together with his longtime friend, Khail Johnson, Mr. Thorpe founded ALL4LOVE. He serves as the executive director of the nonprofit organization, which provides mentorship for boys and young men.

“Our work extends beyond mentorship; we also offer sports programs, including flag football leagues and more, along with numerous community-building activities and support services.,” Mr. Thorpe said. “Every day, we focus on creating opportunities that empower young people to overcome challenges, pursue education, and become leaders in their own lives and communities. Starting and growing ALL4LOVE has been a profound experience, and it’s given me the chance to address some of the critical needs in Dorchester County.”

Mr. Thorpe said his experiences at Chesapeake College provided a guide for creating ALL4LOVE.

“My experience at Chesapeake College was transformative. It gave me a foundation of confidence, support, and community-mindedness that has been invaluable in my role at ALL4LOVE. Chesapeake was the first place that showed me how deeply impactful it is to work in a place where you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. It’s where I learned that I was more than just a student ID number; I was part of a community,” he said. “The staff’s commitment to helping me succeed and the guidance I received there made a lasting impression. Amber McGinnis, became both a mentor and a friend and her support is something I’ll always carry with me. At ALL4LOVE, we strive to create that same atmosphere for our youth—that sense of belonging, resilience, and potential. Chesapeake College helped instill in me a passion for serving the Eastern Shore, and it’s a legacy I’m proud to continue with our work at ALL4LOVE.”