One of Urban Vision’s three primary goals is to develop leaders who will remain in the community and make a lasting impact. Through the Servant Leadership Team, middle and high school students participate in leadership development, Bible study, and hands-on service opportunities that prepare them to lead others with character and purpose. The goal: to change North Hill one leader at a time. and during the summer of 2026, that vision came to life through the stories of two recent graduates, Taw and Uriah.
Above: Taw with his curated library
After graduating high school, Taw joined Urban Vision’s summer staff as an intern and was entrusted with leading a reading class for students who were struggling to meet grade-level reading requirements. While staff members provided guidance and resources, the responsibility for lesson planning, relationship building, and daily instruction rested with him. Taw embraced the challenge by learning what kinds of books interested his students and creating a library of materials that encouraged them to engage with reading. Through patience, creativity, and consistency, he helped students make noticeable progress throughout the summer.
Above: Uriah (in back) with one of his soccer classes
Uriah served in a different role but demonstrated the same leadership qualities. As the leader of outdoor games and gym activities, he was responsible for selecting games, explaining rules, and creating an environment where students could have fun and feel included. Given broad direction by staff, Uriah took ownership of the program and quickly became a favorite among students. His activities were energetic and engaging, but even more importantly, he built meaningful relationships that helped students feel seen, valued, and encouraged.
Both young men succeeded because they moved beyond simply completing assignments. They took time to understand the students they served, identified their needs, and used the skills they had developed through Urban Vision to respond effectively. Whether helping a student improve reading comprehension or creating a welcoming space through recreation, Taw and Uriah demonstrated the ability to lead with both competence and compassion.
Their stories represent exactly what Urban Vision hopes to achieve through its leadership development efforts. The goal is not simply to educate students but to equip them to become leaders who invest in their own community. This summer, Taw and Uriah showed what is possible when young people are given the training, opportunity, and encouragement to lead. Their success is a reminder that the future of North Hill is being shaped today, one leader at a time.
