I want to make a difference in people’s lives and help shift people’s perspectives, and I believe storytelling through film is one of the most important tools for doing that.
Skala Leake, a graduate of Ballard High School, was the 2018 JDogg scholar. Skala’s films have won multiple awards in national and regional contests, including Fresh Film Northwest, National YoungArts Foundation, Northwest Emmy Awards, All American High School Film Festival, and Northwest High School Film Festival.
In Fall 2018, Skala began attending the Columbia College of the Arts in Chicago. Skala informed us that in the Spring of 2019 she left school for reasons of her own.
"I am still just figuring out what I would like to do and pursue. My plan as of now is to go back to school in either the winter or spring season and get a degree in cultural / global studies, then move back home to Japan and build a life there where I can be closer to my mother and family!"
Skala’s dream career is to become a video journalist, or work on documentaries that focus on sending important messages, such as world peace, social justice, education on cultures, history, and life-changing and inspiring stories. In 2017, she was inspired to create a piece called We the People, which showcases students of all races and backgrounds at her high school, “capturing and embracing the true beauty of America, our diversity.”
To highlight the diversity and potential of the area’s youth, Skala created a web series called Seattle Spotlight, interviewing teens from the Seattle area who stand out from the rest of the crowd, showcasing their creativity, talent, and artistic personalities.
Skala is productive working alone or with diverse peers, and has a very positive impact on group dynamics. In class discussions, she is an excellent catalyst, never failing to raise difficult questions or to make necessary observations even if vocal elements of the class are resistant to this thinking. I have seldom seen a person of her age so fearless in the face of peer influence who also builds strong friendships with diverse students.
I can honestly say that Skala is one of the most positive, talented students I’ve had the pleasure of working with. What’s more, I’m certain she will make the world a better place!
— Matt Lawrence
Digital Filmmaking Program Ballard High School