My name is Makell Benjamin Barr, and I am a high school senior, entrepreneur, photographer, and visionary. I am the founder of magiKELL Kreations Photography LLC, a business I launched in July 2023 after discovering my passion for photography. What started as a simple birthday gift from my mom—a camera for my sixteenth birthday—turned into one of the most defining aspects of my life. Photography allows me to capture moments, tell stories, and give people a new perspective on the world, and I plan to use my craft to make a lasting impact. Through magiKELL Kreations, I specialize in sports photography, a niche I discovered after experimenting with different types of shoots. Initially, I started with small events like birthday parties and group photoshoots. However, as a student-athlete, I found it difficult to book consistent clients due to my demanding sports schedule. I played basketball, ran track, and was a member of the football team, all while trying to build my business. Eventually, I made a tough decision—I stepped away from basketball and track to focus on my passion. After finishing my football season, I decided to take a chance and capture my school's first game of the year. I posted the photos on my business Instagram page, and the response was overwhelming. The players loved them, and soon I was recognized as one of the team’s unofficial photographers. This experience opened the door for me to expand my brand, and after football season ended, I began covering track meets. Instead of focusing only on my school, I took photos of athletes from multiple teams. This strategy helped magiKELL Kreations gain recognition at a rapid rate, and soon, my name became known in the local high school sports community. My breakthrough moment came when two AAU basketball coaches reached out and booked me for their teams' tournaments. This opportunity introduced me to a larger, more competitive market, helping me gain exposure in the world of AAU basketball. While many people expect success to come overnight, my journey has taught me that growth requires dedication, adaptability, and resilience. Throughout this process, I have faced adversity. The biggest challenge was balancing my time between sports, school, and business. There were moments when I questioned if I could juggle everything, but I overcame these struggles by prioritizing my goals and staying disciplined. Choosing to step away from certain sports was difficult, but it was necessary to pursue my dream. I also faced moments of self-doubt and financial struggles, especially when business slowed down. However, I remained committed, constantly improving my skills and seeking new opportunities to showcase my work. Looking ahead, I plan to expand my business beyond high school sports photography. My ultimate goal is to travel, open my own studio, build a team of talented creatives, and work with college or professional sports teams, including the NBA. Through my work, I want to inspire others to chase their passions, break barriers, and create opportunities for themselves. My journey is just beginning, and I am ready to make my mark on the world.

The greatest achievement I have experienced was creating my business, magiKELL Kreations Photography LLC, in July 2023. It all started when my mom bought me my first camera for my sixteenth birthday. At the time, I never expected photography to become such a significant part of my life, but from the moment I picked up that camera, I discovered a burning passion I never knew I had. When I first launched my business, I started small, booking events like birthday dinners and group photoshoots. I was making fair and honest money from it, but my name had yet to gain real recognition. As a student-athlete, balancing my growing interest in photography with my sports commitments was challenging. At one point, work became scarce because basketball and track consumed most of my time. Eventually, I had to make a tough decision—I chose to step away from playing those sports to dedicate more time to my photography. This year, after finishing my football season, I decided to take a different approach. I brought my camera to my school’s first football game of the season and captured action shots of the players. After posting the photos on my Instagram business page, the response was overwhelming—the players loved them. That moment changed everything. I quickly became one of the team’s photographers, and with each game, my name became more recognized. However, I knew I couldn’t stop there. After the football season ended, I saw another opportunity and followed my school’s track team, taking pictures at their meets. This time, I didn’t just focus on my school’s athletes—I captured moments from all the teams competing. This decision helped my business grow significantly as more athletes, coaches, and supporters started noticing my work. magiKELL Kreations gained rapid recognition, and soon my name was circulating in the local high school sports scene. My efforts eventually led to two AAU basketball coaches booking me for in-game photography at their tournaments, expanding my reach into the highly competitive world of AAU basketball. This experience taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I am determined, adaptable, and willing to put in the hard work to succeed—or as one of my favorite shows says, "Go Plus Ultra." I transformed from a 16-year-old rising junior with just a dollar and a dream to a 17-year-old high school senior with a successful Black-owned business that continues to grow. Looking ahead, I have even bigger goals. I want to expand my brand, secure bookings that allow me to travel, and open my own photography studio. My dream is to build a team of talented photographers and videographers, take my skills to the next level, and work in college or professional sports photography, including the NBA. My journey is just beginning, and I am excited for what the future holds.

My personal faith has been a cornerstone in my life, guiding me through both the highs and lows of my journey. I believe that God has provided me with strength, direction, and purpose, especially when facing challenges. My faith has taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and trust, and it has shaped how I approach every aspect of my life, from my academics to my interactions with others. One of the most significant ways my faith has helped me is by offering a sense of peace and direction during times of uncertainty. When life feels overwhelming, I turn to prayer and meditation, trusting that God has a plan for me even when I don’t understand the path. For example, when I faced the emotional pain of losing my close friend Katlyn, I relied on my faith to help me navigate my grief. Prayer became my source of comfort and strength, allowing me to keep moving forward while still honoring my feelings. My belief that God is with me during the hardest times has allowed me to find peace amidst chaos and has given me the courage to continue pursuing my goals, no matter the obstacles. In addition, my faith has taught me the value of service, humility, and kindness. I strive to live by the principle of "others first"—serving and uplifting those around me. Whether it’s through my involvement in church ministries, mentoring younger students, or supporting friends and family, I am constantly reminded that the work I do is not just for my own success but also to positively impact those around me. The teachings of love, compassion, and generosity that come from my faith have shaped my leadership style and the way I approach relationships, both personally and professionally. Looking ahead to my career, I believe my faith will continue to guide me in meaningful ways. As I work to expand magiKELL Kreations and build my photography business, I plan to approach my work with integrity, kindness, and a focus on service. I want my business to reflect my values, not just through the images I capture but also in the way I treat my clients and the impact I have on my community. I am committed to using my talents to bring joy, inspire creativity, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Furthermore, I believe that my faith will help me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. In a world where success is often measured by external achievements, my faith will remind me that true success is about serving others, maintaining a strong moral compass, and staying true to my purpose. Whether I’m facing the challenges of running a business or navigating the complexities of life, my faith will help me remain patient, resilient, and committed to doing my work with excellence and honor. In summary, my faith has been a source of strength, guidance, and inspiration throughout my life, and I am confident it will continue to shape my path in my career. It will help me stay grounded, serve others, and approach my work with integrity and purpose. I am excited to see how my faith will guide me as I pursue my goals and continue to grow both personally and professionally.

My name is Makell Barr, and I am passionate about creating impactful visual stories through photography. I have always had a deep love for capturing moments and using my camera as a tool to preserve memories and share perspectives that may otherwise go unnoticed. This passion led me to establish my photography business, magiKELL Kreations, which has been a source of both personal fulfillment and professional growth. I strive to use my photography to inspire others, tell meaningful stories, and contribute positively to my community. I believe I should be selected for this scholarship because of my dedication to excellence, hard work, and my vision to create a lasting impact in the world. My goal is to continue growing magiKELL Kreations into a business that not only serves clients but also uplifts my community. I am determined to use my business as a platform to showcase diverse voices and experiences, highlighting the beauty in everyday moments. Whether it’s capturing portraits of individuals, families, or special events, my work is rooted in the belief that everyone has a story worth telling and that every photograph has the power to inspire. One of the ways I plan to make a positive impact is by using my photography skills to give back to the community. I hope to offer free or discounted photo sessions to local nonprofits, youth organizations, or individuals in need, helping them document their important moments or raise awareness for causes they care about. Additionally, I plan to teach photography workshops to youth in underserved communities, empowering them to express their creativity and potentially develop their own entrepreneurial ventures. I believe that art, and specifically photography, has the power to help people see the world in new ways and to give them a sense of pride and purpose. In the future, I also envision expanding magiKELL Kreations beyond photography to include mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs, particularly in the arts. I want to create a space where aspiring photographers, videographers, and creatives can come together, learn from one another, and receive the guidance they need to turn their passions into successful businesses. I want to build a community of like-minded individuals who support and encourage one another to reach their full potential, just as I have been inspired by mentors throughout my own journey. This scholarship would be an incredible opportunity for me to continue my education and improve my skills in both photography and business. It would allow me to invest in the tools and resources I need to expand my business and ultimately give back to my community in ways that matter. I am committed to using this scholarship to further my personal and professional growth, and to ensure that magiKELL Kreations continues to be a force for positivity, creativity, and empowerment. In summary, my passion for photography and my desire to positively impact my community drive me to constantly strive for excellence. Through magiKELL Kreations, I plan to not only grow as a photographer but also use my skills to create opportunities for others, elevate voices, and contribute to the well-being and success of my community. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and for supporting the pursuit of my goals and dreams.

My name is Makell, and I am deeply honored to be applying for the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship. Kalia’s story and the legacy she left behind resonate with me on a profound level, as I, too, strive for excellence in every area of my life, just as she did. I believe that her life serves as an inspiring example of hard work, ambition, and kindness, qualities that I have always admired and try to embody myself. Like Kalia, I’ve always been passionate about pushing myself to do my best, both academically and personally. Throughout high school, I maintained a place on the A-B honor roll while taking honors, AP, and dual enrollment courses. I also led in extracurricular activities, such as mentoring freshmen through the Bulldog Buddies program and serving on the Superintendent’s Cabinet for Charleston County, where I advocated for improvements in my school district. My involvement in athletics, including being part of the football, basketball, and track teams, has taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and setting goals—and has also been a source of personal growth. Just like Kalia, I value hard work and leadership, and I continually aim to balance academic excellence with contributing to my community. This scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of attending college but also serve as a reminder of the high standards that Kalia set through her own accomplishments. The opportunity to attend college, particularly with my aspirations to pursue a degree in Business Management, will be one step closer to fulfilling my dreams of leadership and service. I hope to follow in Kalia’s footsteps by excelling academically and contributing to my community—whether that’s through future leadership roles, mentorship, or community service. In addition to my academic goals, I also aspire to make a positive impact through service and volunteer work, similar to how Kalia served as a front desk clerk and on the executive board for the Black Student Union at the University of Illinois. I’m passionate about helping others and want to create initiatives that give back to my community, especially through mentorship programs and opportunities for young people. Like Kalia, I also value the connections I have with my peers and the joy of seeing others succeed, which is why I plan to continue being involved in organizations that uplift and support others. This scholarship represents much more than financial assistance to me; it is an opportunity to live up to the legacy of someone who valued hard work, kindness, and helping others. Kalia’s life was a testament to the fact that excellence is not just about personal success but about lifting up those around you. With this scholarship, I will continue to strive for excellence in all areas of my life, remembering that the most important things are love, laughter, and learning from the challenges we face. Thank you for this opportunity to honor Kalia’s memory and legacy, and for allowing me the chance to further my education and dreams in a way that continues her spirit of excellence.

Adversity is an inevitable part of life, and it’s something that shapes our character and our perspective. One of the most difficult and formative experiences I faced was when my close friend Katlyn passed away in March 2024. Katlyn wasn’t just a friend—she was like family to me, as we had grown up together, and our mothers were best friends. Losing her was not only devastating personally but also painful for everyone in our community, especially her twin sister Kamryn, who I had always considered my younger cousin. During this time, I faced an intense emotional struggle. While my grief was overwhelming, I knew I had to put the needs of others first, especially Kamryn and Katlyn’s family. I found myself in the role of being a support system for Kamryn, trying to stay strong for her despite the deep sadness I felt. I threw myself into my faith, regularly attending church and praying for the strength to navigate the grief. I kept my emotions hidden as best as I could to focus on supporting my cousin, yet there were moments when the tears were unavoidable. At Katlyn’s funeral and burial, I tried to hold it together to be a “big cousin,” but the weight of the moment broke me down several times during the ceremony. It felt as though I was being pulled in two directions—grieving for my loss, but also trying to be there for Kamryn and their family. Eventually, I realized that, while it was important to support others, I also needed to take care of my own mental health. I made the decision to seek therapy, which became a crucial step in healing. My counselor helped me process my grief in a healthy way, teaching me how to express my emotions without neglecting my own well-being. This was a turning point. I came to understand that it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it. I also learned how to balance being there for others while not losing sight of my own emotional needs. This experience shaped me in many ways. It taught me the importance of vulnerability and emotional resilience, and it reinforced my belief that, even in the hardest of times, showing up for others can be one of the most powerful things you can do. It also made me realize that the strength of a community lies in the support we give each other. During my time of grief, I was surrounded by people who cared for me, and that sense of solidarity was essential in helping me heal. If I could give advice to someone facing similar circumstances, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to lean on others for support. Grief and adversity can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek help when you need it, whether through family, friends, or professionals. And remember that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. Healing is not linear, and it’s important to allow yourself the space to process and feel. At the same time, if you can, be there for those who need you—it may help you heal too. Above all, hold onto hope and know that while adversity can be a heavy burden, it also has the power to teach you invaluable lessons about yourself and the world around you.

Throughout my high school years, I’ve actively sought out ways to contribute to my community, believing that it’s not only about personal growth but also about creating positive change for others. From leadership roles in my school to service projects in my church and beyond, I’ve been deeply involved in extracurricular activities that focus on giving back and fostering a sense of community. These experiences have shaped my passion for service and have given me insight into how we can improve our community for future generations. One of the most impactful programs I’ve been involved in is Bulldog Buddies, a mentorship program at my high school where seniors are paired with freshmen to help guide them through their first year of high school. As a senior leader in this program, I took on the responsibility of mentoring new students, offering advice on academics, time management, and navigating the social challenges of high school. This program not only helped freshmen feel welcomed and supported but also encouraged older students to take on leadership roles and be role models. The program has created a stronger sense of unity within the school, and it has been a privilege to help foster a positive environment for incoming students. In addition to my school involvement, I’ve been honored to serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet for Charleston County. This position allowed me to work alongside other student leaders to address and provide solutions for various issues within the district, from improving school safety to advocating for more mental health resources. I served as a student voice, representing my peers and ensuring that their concerns were heard by school officials. Through this experience, I learned the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and working toward solutions that benefit the entire community. It taught me that leadership involves more than just making decisions; it’s about being a bridge between different groups and fostering positive change through open communication and collective effort. My involvement in Greater St. Luke AME Church has also been a vital part of my commitment to service. I have been an active member of the Youth Usher Ministry, Praise Dance Ministry, and Media Team. Through these ministries, I’ve had the opportunity to serve others, particularly younger members of the church, and to contribute to the spiritual growth of our community. Whether it’s helping organize church events, supporting youth programs, or assisting with the church’s media outreach, these roles have allowed me to shine my light by leading with compassion and humility. Looking toward the future, I have several ideas for how I can help make my community even better for future generations. One area I’m passionate about is mentorship. Many young people in our community, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, don’t always have the guidance and resources they need to succeed. I would love to create a mentorship program that pairs high school students with college students or professionals in various fields. This program would offer academic support, career guidance, and personal mentorship to help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in both their education and their future careers. In conclusion, I’ve always believed that making a difference in my community starts with being actively involved and helping others. Through mentorship, service, and leadership, I’ve worked to uplift those around me, and I plan to continue doing so throughout my life. By fostering a sense of unity, providing resources for growth, and supporting the well-being of our youth, we can create a better community for future generations to thrive in.

Throughout my journey, I’ve worked to demonstrate excellence in leadership and to create positive impacts within my community. One of the most significant times I demonstrated leadership was when I served as Mr. Burke High School. This role allowed me to engage directly with my school and community, influencing positive change, and guiding my peers toward greater success. In addition to my duties as Mr. Burke, I’ve been a dedicated member of multiple leadership initiatives. As part of the superintendent’s cabinet for Charleston County, I worked to address issues within the district from a student’s perspective. This position involved actively listening to my peers, voicing their concerns, and collaborating with school officials to implement solutions that benefitted the entire student body. It was an empowering experience to be a conduit for student voices, ensuring that the decisions made reflected their needs and aspirations. This leadership role has given me invaluable insight into the intricacies of school policy and the importance of being an advocate for others. One of my proudest achievements has been my involvement in the Bulldog Buddies program, where I led a team of seniors who mentored freshmen. By guiding incoming students through the challenges of high school, I not only helped them navigate academic and social pressures, but also cultivated a sense of community and support among the student body. This program allowed me to exercise leadership by fostering a welcoming environment for new students, encouraging their success both inside and outside of the classroom. Academically, I’ve always strived for excellence. I’ve earned a place on the A-B honor roll, maintained strong grades in honors, AP, and dual enrollment courses, and worked relentlessly to uphold high standards in my education. Being a student in such challenging courses has not only sharpened my academic abilities but also helped me model the importance of hard work and dedication to my peers. I believe that being a leader isn’t just about taking charge—it’s also about setting an example through actions. My academic success has given me the opportunity to mentor fellow students, particularly in subjects I excel in, helping others realize their potential. My involvement extends beyond academics and school leadership. I’ve taken on responsibilities at Greater St. Luke AME Church, where I serve in the youth usher ministry, the praise dance ministry, and the media team. Through these roles, I’ve learned how to lead by serving others, whether it’s guiding young people during church services or supporting the church community through media and technology. This involvement has helped me develop a deep sense of humility and the importance of contributing to the growth of others. Athletics have also played a crucial role in shaping my leadership abilities. As a leader on the football, basketball, and track teams, I’ve learned how to bring people together toward a common goal, work through adversity, and motivate my teammates. Our basketball team became region champions in 2024, and the track team has qualified for the state meet multiple times. These achievements were possible because of our collective effort and the leadership that drove us to push our limits. Whether leading through encouragement on the sidelines or stepping up in crucial moments, I’ve always tried to lead by example, motivating my teammates to give their best both on and off the field. As I look to the future, I plan to continue being a leader by fostering collaboration, supporting my peers, and always striving for personal and collective excellence. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned from my past experiences into my college and career path, constantly seeking ways to make a meaningful impact.

A time when I truly put Jesus first, others second, and myself third was in early March 2024, when my close friend Katlyn passed away. Katlyn and her twin sister Kamryn were like family to me—our mothers were best friends, and we all grew up together in the same neighborhood. As the older cousin figure in their lives, Katlyn’s loss was devastating not only to me but to the entire community. In the wake of her passing, I found myself leaning into my faith more than ever. I began to prioritize my connection with God and my church. Whenever I went to church, I prayed for Katlyn’s family, particularly Kamryn, hoping for healing and peace in such a heartbreaking time. I focused on bringing positivity into the situation, setting aside my own feelings of grief and pain in order to be there for Kamryn and others who were struggling. I hated to see the people I loved in pain, so I did everything I could to support them, even if it meant suppressing my own emotions. During the funeral and burial in the following month, I tried to be the "strong" cousin, but the weight of the moment overwhelmed me. I broke down in tears several times during the service and the burial, but I continued to hold myself together as best as I could to offer support to Kamryn. It was incredibly difficult to balance my own grief with my desire to be there for her, but I knew my role in that moment was to be a source of comfort and strength for those around me. It wasn’t until later that month that I realized I needed to prioritize my own mental health. I decided to go to therapy, and my counselor helped me process the deep emotional toll of losing Katlyn. The experience made me reflect on different aspects of my life, and through therapy, I learned how to care for myself in a way that allowed me to continue being there for others without neglecting my own well-being. This experience deeply impacted me by showing me the importance of balancing self-care with caring for others. It reminded me that, while it’s vital to support those we love, we must also ensure that we take care of ourselves. Moving forward, I plan to continue living by these principles—putting Jesus first, others second, and myself third—by making my faith the foundation of my life, supporting others in their times of need, and recognizing when I need to step back and take care of my own mental and emotional health. It’s a balance that I believe will help me grow and navigate life’s challenges with grace.

The Giles family motto emphasizes the values of kindness and hard work. The advanced courses I’ve taken have played a significant role in helping me embody these ideals. Throughout my high school years, I’ve enrolled in AP courses and dual enrollment programs that have sharpened my academic skills and taught me the importance of perseverance and dedication in the face of challenges, which directly aligns with being hardworking. Taking AP Human Geography and AP US History was an intense but rewarding experience. These courses challenged me to think critically, analyze complex topics, and synthesize information. They also required substantial effort to stay on top of readings, assignments, and tests. The workload in these classes forced me to be disciplined and organized, as I balanced multiple assignments with other responsibilities. In each instance, I learned to manage my time effectively, which is a key component of being hardworking. The ability to focus on long-term goals while managing day-to-day tasks has prepared me for the rigors of college. Moreover, my dual enrollment classes, such as English 101 and 102, further nurtured my work ethic. These courses provided a college-level experience that demanded a higher level of thinking and writing. They not only improved my writing and communication skills but also taught me the importance of feedback, revision, and striving for excellence. They showed me that success is often a product of effort, attention to detail, and persistence—all qualities that tie into the idea of being hardworking. In terms of being nice, these courses required a collaborative environment where peer discussions and group projects were common. I learned to work alongside classmates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, developing a sense of empathy and respect for others’ ideas. This helped me practice kindness and cooperation, qualities that I believe are essential for building positive relationships, both in academic and personal settings. Growing up with a single mother, I’ve always admired her determination and hard work in providing for our family. However, her struggles with college debt from switching schools in her freshman year have inevitably influenced my path to higher education. While she’s given everything she can to support me, her student loans, which continue to weigh heavily on her, have meant that fewer resources are available to help me pursue my academic dreams. The financial burden of her debt has limited our ability to save for college, forcing me to navigate the complex world of scholarships, grants, and loans with little guidance or support. Even though she’s always encouraged me to chase my dreams, it’s hard to avoid the harsh reality of how the weight of her financial obligations impacts every decision we make. The idea of accumulating more debt for my education feels daunting, and the uncertainty of whether I’ll be able to pay it back after graduation creates constant anxiety. In conclusion, my advanced courses have fostered my work ethic and my ability to be considerate and understanding of others. They’ve shown me that academic success comes from hard work, but personal success is also deeply rooted in kindness and collaboration. Despite the financial obstacles I face, I remain determined to continue my education and apply the lessons I’ve learned from both my coursework and my family motto in all areas of my life.

My name is Makell Barr, and I am a high school senior at Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina. From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about photography, inspired by watching my mother capture family moments through her camera. Over the years, I’ve come to view photography as more than just a hobby—it’s a way to preserve memories, tell stories, and freeze moments in time. This passion has led me to start my own photography business, magiKELL Kreations Photography LLC. While I’m still exploring different photography niches such as sports, parties, and personal photoshoots, I am committed to honing my craft and finding my unique voice in the industry. This scholarship would make a significant impact on my journey to achieving my long-term goals. I plan to attend North Carolina Central University after graduation, where I will major in Business Management and minor in Graphic Design. These fields will give me the skills needed to not only grow my business but also to refine my artistic abilities. The Business Management degree will teach me how to successfully run and expand my photography business, covering essential areas such as marketing, finance, and client relations. A minor in Graphic Design will allow me to create visually compelling images and materials that enhance my photography and brand presence. My long-term goal is to build magiKELL Kreations Photography LLC into a well-respected brand in the photography world, known for capturing powerful and meaningful moments for clients. I also aspire to gain recognition as a renowned photographer, traveling the world and working on large-scale projects. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my education and artistic growth without the financial burden of tuition, giving me the opportunity to fully invest in my future. Ultimately, my aspiration is to combine my passion for photography with my entrepreneurial spirit, creating a successful business that allows me to connect with people and leave a lasting impact through the art of photography. This scholarship will play a crucial role in helping me take the next step toward making these dreams a reality. A time where I have experienced physical or emotional weakness was the passing of someone I considered family. I lost my friend Katlyn in March of 2024. I was devastated once I found out that she had passed because I had known Katlyn and her twin sister, Kamyrn since they were born. We were always together and so close that we called each other “cousins” because we were a family by choice. For a while, I felt heartless and cold, with those crippling feelings of heartbreak and pain, it affected many areas of my life such as sports, relationships with others, responsibilities, etc. Not too long after, instead of keeping my feelings buried to look after others, I went and tried therapy for the first time. Initially, I wasn’t sure about it because I usually speak out what I’m feeling to a friend my age. However, I had enough courage to try it out, and it helped me gain closure and a new perspective on life. Before this, I was young and naive, not thinking about the complexities of life, my choices, or the consequences of my actions; focused on the moment and not the future. I’ve always lived with a smile on my face and laughter in my heart. Therapy was the turning point shifting my realization and making me search inside myself with questions such as “Who am I?”, and “What do I want out of my life?”. These questions and obstacles challenged me to evaluate my support system for the best.

My name is Makell Barr, and I am a high school senior at Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina. From a young age, I have had a profound love for photography, a passion that was ignited when I watched my mother capture family memories through her camera. These early experiences sparked a deep appreciation for how photography can preserve moments, emotions, and stories. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about freezing time, capturing the essence of a moment, and telling a visual story that resonates with people. This belief is what drives my dream of becoming a successful, well-renowned photographer. To turn this passion into a career, I took the initiative to start my own photography business, *magiKELL Kreations Photography LLC*. While I am still refining my specific focus within photography, I have explored various fields such as sports, events, parties, and personal photoshoots. Each area has given me the opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques, helping me refine my skills and broaden my understanding of the diverse possibilities in photography. Whether I am capturing the intensity of a sports game, the joy of a special event, or the emotion in a portrait session, I aim to bring my unique perspective and creativity to every shoot. In order to expand my business and build a successful career in photography, I plan to attend North Carolina Central University after graduation. There, I will major in Business Management to gain the necessary tools and knowledge to manage and grow my photography business. Learning how to handle the business side of things, from marketing and finance to customer relations and branding, will be crucial for my long-term success. Additionally, I plan to minor in Graphic Design to further enhance my creative skills. A background in graphic design will not only allow me to produce striking visuals for my clients, but it will also enable me to design professional marketing materials and strengthen my brand. As I continue to develop my photography skills and business acumen, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to growing as both an artist and an entrepreneur, and my goal is to leave a lasting impact in the world of photography. Through dedication, hard work, and continuous learning, I am confident that I can achieve my dream of becoming a renowned photographer and expanding *magiKELL Kreations Photography LLC* into a well-respected brand.

This year, I decided not to play basketball for my school, Burke High, so I could focus more on my photography business before going off to college. Photography has always been my passion, and I saw this as an opportunity to grow my skills and brand. For the first game of the high school basketball season, I decided to photograph the varsity and junior varsity boys’ teams for free since I was close with many of the players. It was my first time doing sports photography, but the pictures turned out great, which gave me the confidence to continue. At the next home game, we faced one of our rivals, the Baptist Hill Bobcats. This time, I decided to charge for my photos and began placing my watermark on them to promote my business. I captured many valuable shots, which gained attention from players and their families. The following weekend, I photographed the varsity boys’ game against our main rival, the North Charleston Cougars. Even though the lighting in our opponent’s gym was not ideal, I overcame the challenge and still produced high-quality photos. This experience taught me how to adapt and make the best of any situation, further fueling my passion for photography.