Lessons from Local Leaders:

Virgil Revish

From Football Fields to Frontlines of Education: The Legacy of Virgil Revish

For over four decades, Virgil Revish has been a quiet force shaping the futures of young people across Virginia. A native of Petersburg and now a long-time Chesterfield resident, Revish’s life work has been focused on one mission: helping others rise.

From his earliest days as a junior high educator to his current role as an author, mentor, and speaker, Revish’s journey has been one of service, resilience, and unwavering faith. His passion for sixth graders stems from his belief that this transitional age is a crucial starting point for building vision, discipline, and direction.

Revish is known for his empowering framework—the “Three Ps +1”:
Plan. Prepare. Present. And the bonus? Patience.
He teaches students and adults alike that success begins with intention, but it requires follow-through and faith.

Inspired by his father—a civil servant with a fifth-grade education who raised seven college-bound children—Revish brings the same values of responsibility, accountability, and leadership to his work. His early years as a football standout at Virginia State University and his service in the military also shaped his character and drive to mentor others.

In 1993, Revish launched “School Watch,” a volunteer-led initiative that brought together military members, teachers, and community leaders to support student safety and academic growth. The program was recognized at the national level, earning him letters from President Bill Clinton and Governor Jim Gilmore.

His influence didn’t stop there. Revish went on to found Vision: Going to the Next Level, a program that guides students from ninth grade through graduation. One of his mentees is now close to completing a Ph.D., and another is preparing for graduate school while recovering from a sports injury. These stories are living proof of the impact Revish’s work has had.

His books, Vision: If You Look Up, You Can Get Up and the upcoming book on bullying, are used in schools and colleges, with international recognition including an upcoming red-carpet book tour in the Philippines.

Revish doesn’t just talk the talk. He walks alongside his mentees, helping parents understand school requirements, connecting students with resources, and always making himself available to answer questions. Whether mentoring teens or speaking to adult learners, Revish’s commitment is clear: to help every person recognize their process, trust it, and rise.

“Everybody has a process,” Revish says. “But once you recognize your process and give it to God, He’ll take care of the rest.”

Reach Virgil Revish Below