U Prep Seniors: Leaders of Today, Shaping Tomorrow

At U Prep, our mission is to develop scholars into world-class leaders and civically responsible individuals. This guiding principle is exemplified by our students, who not only excel academically but also grow as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with six remarkable seniors: Yeelah Bah-Deh, Student Council President at UPA High School; Denisha Shelby, Student Council President at UPAD; Kendrick Lile, Senior Class Vice President at UPAD; Logan Hrabowski, Senior Class President at UPAD; Kamora Moss, National Honor Society President at UPAD; and Noah Hopson, National Honor Society Vice President at UPAD.

These scholars represent the heart of U Prep: resilience, ambition, and a commitment to making a difference. Their reflections on growth, leadership, and advice for younger students underscore the transformative journey of high school and provide a glimpse into the bright future that lies ahead.

 

Reflecting on Leadership Growth

Yeelah Bah-Deh, UPA HS, Student Council President: “Through my involvement in the student council and various group projects, I’ve grown both as a leader and a collaborator. I’ve learned how to listen to others, bring different perspectives together, and communicate more effectively to build consensus. I’ve also learned that leadership is not just about making decisions, but about empowering others and making sure everyone has a voice in the process.”

Denisha Shelby, UPAD Student Council President: “Having been on the council for three years and now serving as President, I feel my leadership skills have expanded—not just in Student Council, but also in other spaces. I’m able to speak up for myself and others, especially for others who may be too shy to use their voice. I think a big part of being a leader is not just telling people what to do but listening and responding to the concerns of others.”

Kendrick Lile, UPAD Senior Class Vice President: “I’ve always seen myself as a servant leader, and now I see that even more. Being a leader means standing up and doing the work nobody else wants to do. It also means encouraging others to do their best and being a role model. Someone you don’t even know might see what you’re doing and begin to think to themself, ‘I see what he’s doing, I can do the same.’”

 

Celebrating Achievements

Logan Hrabowski, UPAD Senior Class President: “I am most proud of my evolution as an artist and what I’ve been able to explore about myself creatively. All my art teachers gave me the space to explore not only who I thought I was as a creative person and artist, but also pushed me to explore what they saw in me as an artist. Because of this, I’ve not only been able to evolve as an artist but also as a creative thinker.”

Kamora Moss, UPAD National Honor Society President: “I feel my character development has been my greatest achievement. From ninth to twelfth grade, there were a lot of changes, both at home and in school—from friends to family to teachers. Being able to balance, implement, and use the lessons from those experiences to help me change and grow has meant a lot to me.”

Noah Hopson, UPAD National Honor Society Vice President: “I think my greatest achievement has been my shift in mindset. For a very long time, I was tortured by the idea of failing, especially when it came to my art. But now I see this as the best part of myself because it exposes my flaws. I am able to see my strengths and areas I need to improve, which allows me to work to be better."

 

Advice for Freshmen

Yeelah Bah-Deh: “Take full advantage of the resources around you—teachers, counselors, and peers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek support when you’re struggling. Also, get involved in activities that interest you. They not only provide a break from academics but also help you develop important skills that will serve you in the future.”

Denisha Shelby: “Having a proper work-life balance is such a big aspect of success overall in life. Understanding the things you actually put effort into now, will reward you a lot in the future, and the permanence of some of the decisions you make today matters.”

Kendrick Lile: “Don’t become your worst enemy. Don’t blame others for what you do. You’re going to have problems that occur in school, but that doesn’t mean your entire high school journey has to be defined by that one thing. Advocate for yourself, and sometimes seek help from others outside your immediate friend group or circle. And sometimes you’ll have to figure it out on your own. Keep asking questions and never stop looking for answers.”

Logan Hrabowski: “My advice is to be present with yourself. Allow yourself to realize how you are feeling and recognize the situation you are in. Don’t get wrapped up in what’s surrounding you, but rather focus more on what’s going on with you personally. Whether it’s grades, activities, or future plans, be present in how you are doing and how you can improve.”

Noah Hopson: “Get your mind together and get your time together. These are two very important skills to have because without having your mind in the right space and knowing how to manage your time, things will start to fall apart.”

Kamora Moss: “Be proud of what you do and know what success feels like. Don’t look at what you do academically as just a grade and that in the long run, it won’t matter- because it actually does. Understand that starting and finishing something is a sign of success and should be a rewarding feeling. Whether it’s doing artwork or classwork, knowing the rewards of success and feeling good about what you accomplish will motivate you to do more.”

These reflections exemplify the heart of U Prep’s mission: cultivating scholars who think critically, act compassionately, and lead with purpose.

We are immensely proud of Yeelah, Denisha, Kendrick, Logan, Noah, and Kamora for their incredible achievements and the legacies they are building. As they prepare to take on the next chapter of their lives, we celebrate their leadership journeys and eagerly anticipate the impact they will continue to make.