At Urban Academy, student leadership emerges not just from titles but far more typically through initiative, teamwork, and an innate desire to make a difference. Many UA students embody these qualities, but two have been gracious to share their leadership journey with us: Rayah, Grade 10 and Cindy, Grade 12. Both students demonstrate a quiet yet powerful approach to leadership. Through their dedication to athletics, academics, the arts and student life, it is clear that they are leaving an indelible mark on the school community.
Rayah, Grade 10
Rayah, who began her educational journey at UA in Kindergarten, exemplifies leadership through action. For her, being a leader means stepping up, charting her own path, and wanting to help make the school she cares about, a better place for all.
Rayah’s leadership began to take root through her involvement in athletics. She manages UA’s Lions Instagram account, curating content for the community. “I saw the account wasn’t as active as it could be, so I stepped in. It’s been fun to watch it grow.” Rayah also plays a vital role behind the scenes in other sports, handling stats and organizing scorekeepers for volleyball and basketball. A tall order with the number of games growing exponentially. This year she has taken on scheduling all student scorekeepers. Although not directly asked, she again saw a need and filled it. She shared the importance of reaching out to peers, getting buy-in, following up and taking on the responsibility to ensure that all games run smoothly, stepping in when needed.
Rayah acknowledges the importance of having Mr. Twaites, UA Athletic Director, trust her to take on these roles. “He’s the teacher I am closest with I would say, so it has been great to be able to know that he has faith in me to take these things on.” Mr. Twaites is grateful for her initiative adding that “Rayah is passionate about creating a meaningful experience for everyone involved in sports. She’s more than just a supporter, she is always behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly.”
Stepping up to help out wasn’t always Rayah’s first instinct though. “Before putting myself out there, I used to care a lot about what other people thought,” Rayah explains. “But now, I just focus on helping out, no matter what. I realize that people care less than you think they do, so it’s really important to do what you think is right.” This level of insight is one that even some adults continue to strive for.
Her influence extends beyond the gym. As a Student Ambassador, Rayah welcomes new students and guests to the school, eager to show them the things that make UA special to her. “Rayah’s leadership began with athletics, but she has since become a trusted resource across various school activities,” says Ms. Marsh. “Whether it’s helping coach Grade 5–7 track and field or leading her house team with enthusiasm, she is always ready to contribute.”
She also has an astute awareness about how to get things done. She shows initiative, plants the seed of ideas (spirit week may be on the way), knows who to talk to to get things rolling, and understands the importance of stepping out in courage. “I’m just not afraid to ask, to see things that could be even better, to make a plan and give it a try.” A true Canadian child, she quotes our hockey great, Wayne Gretzky, adding ‘‘you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,’ I think about that all the time, it’s always worth trying.”
Rayah’s leadership style is subtle yet effective. She doesn’t seek the spotlight but enjoys motivating others. ‘‘I’m not loud about it. I don’t pretend to know more than anyone else, I’m just here to help.” Throughout the interview, it became evident the care she has for her school, at one time, point blank asking her “You must love this place,” and with a shy smile, she emphatically agreed.
Cindy, Grade 12
Newer along the UA Student trajectory is Cindy who joined UA last year in Grade 11. Not taking long to jump in, she led UA’s Business Club last year at the Prosper Business Conference, as well as Green Team initiatives, and stepped up to MC assemblies.
This year, she’s doubling down on her efforts, continuing to lead the Business Club but also making plans for the Green Team, leading environmental initiatives like sharing the children’s storybook she has written on climate change herself with UA’s younger students, and preparing for school-wide Earth Week activities. She has also been shoulder-tapped to write a grant application to receive government funding for the garden project next door planned for the spring. Ms. Marsh reflects on Cindy with pride: “as a new student last year, she quickly distinguished herself as a leader. She’s been instrumental in revitalizing the Green Team and is always looking for ways to support and inspire her peers. She truly leads by example.”
Cindy views leadership as a balance of guiding, motivating, and as she so aptly puts it, “harmonizing voices.” A dedicated academic and active participant in extracurriculars, Cindy steps into leadership roles naturally, recognizing the value of collaboration. For her, leadership is about serving others and bringing out the best in her peers. “I think everyone is born to be a leader,” she says. “But no leader can succeed alone. It’s important to collaborate, listen, and work well with others.”
In the Performing Arts, Cindy is the Wind Ensemble’s Assistant Director and Percussion Leader. “Cindy’s initiative is incredible,” says Mrs. Kilpatrick, “she goes above and beyond to help her peers. Whether it’s checking in with others or creating how-to videos for band members who may be facing a challenge, Cindy makes sure everyone feels supported.” A student who keeps her feet firmly planted in the present, but keeps an eye to the future, she is keenly aware that by encouraging others, she paves the way for them to do the same for others—multiplying her efforts and impacting the wider student body.
Cindy’s vision of leadership is forward-thinking. She believes in leaving a legacy that serves future students. An incredibly helpful and valuable vision for a JK to Grade 12 school!
Both Rayah and Cindy demonstrate that leadership at UA is not about holding a title or being in the spotlight. Instead, it’s about stepping up, collaborating, and making an impact. Both students speak gratefully about the opportunities they have had, with a recognition that there are younger eyes watching and learning from them, proving that leadership is about service, empathy, and the willingness to step up when it matters most.