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Kiyah Pankey

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Finalist

Bio

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am currently an undergraduate student with a strong passion for filmmaking. My goal is to create films that positively impact my community while sharing the love of Jesus. I aspire to use storytelling as a way to encourage and support individuals who may be facing challenges in their lives. I have a deep interest in film and production, and I am taking intentional steps to grow in this area, including starting a short film club at my school this year. Through this initiative, I hope to collaborate with others and further develop my skills while inspiring those around me. Additionally, I plan to use any funds I receive to support my future educational goals. While I do not intend to attend college immediately after graduation, I am committed to pursuing higher education when the time is right.

Education

Gaston Christian School

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Motion Pictures and Film

    • Dream career goals:

      To have a multi billion dollar film industry making films that entertain and positively impact my community.

    • Camp counseler

      Kingdom Christian Church
      2025 – 2025

    Sports

    Soccer

    Junior Varsity
    2022 – 2022

    Arts

    • Gaston Christian School

      Acting
      Little mermaid, Sound of music, Anne of Green Gables
      2025 – 2025

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Kingdom Christian Church — Camp counselor
      2025 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Chellez Brand Scholarship
    I remember watching behind-the-scenes footage of a movie for the first time. The movie was The Lego Batman Movie; the film was funny, well-animated, and well-written. I remember wondering what the " behind the scenes " button meant on the DVD we had. I clicked on the button, and I was brought into a world of wonder. The process of movie making was simply incredible. Though some terms flew over my head, others made sense. The team did their best to simplify the intricate film process for my little head. I remember watching it over and over again. My little brother got so agitated with me watching "boring" behind-the-scenes content. But it wasn't boring to me; it was fascinating. As I got older, my desire to become a filmmaker grew. I now try to find behind-the-scenes content all the time. I watch filmmakers on YouTube make mini movies. It's still incredible to me. I then think about how movies make an impact. That's also influenced me to want to be a filmmaker. Films can move people and positively impact their ideas.  People's opinions change, and people become more compassionate when they see a movie. Film can inspire people. For example, take The Matrix. You can't watch it without at least considering whether the world was fake. The movie didn't have a new outlook on life; it just pushed an earth-shattering idea. It's literally a fictional film, and yet many people started to believe or consider that the world was fake. Even my own dad warned me not to watch it. A movie can be that impactful. This makes me consider an important question in my future film career. In my future career in film, I do consider this question. What if there were movies for good? Not that they don't exist, but what if I made impactful movies? What if the movies I make change people like The Matrix series did? This fuels my passion for film making. I am already writing scripts. Yes, I don't have a degree yet, but I just can't wait until after I get my degree to start creating something. I hope with this degree I can go straight into the world of film. Straight after college. I plan to look for opportunities at studios or even have my own space. I will possibly look at studios and such, maybe even purchase a building that can be a studio! I can start hiring, planning, and deciding on where the film could take place. A scholarship would support my education; this is the stepping stone. This money will let me be one step closer to the world of film. If I win this scholarship, it will bring me one step closer to college. One step closer to fulfilling my dream.