Jaylah Bell Madison McKinley

Junior Jaylah Bell is an IB junior that is involved in the arts of chorus, musical theater, and dance. Bell is a Be Somebody orientation leader as well as a member of Blue Devil Sound.

After high school, Bell plans to attend Spelman College or another HBCU.

In the field of dance, Bell’s inspiration comes from Katherine Dunham, also known as “the matriarch and queen mother of black dance” who was one of the most successful African-American dancers.

“She’s a real trailblazer when it comes to combining African culture with moder dance. On top of all her dance accomplishments, she was also a civil rights activist,” Jaylah Bell (11) said.

Junior Madison McKinley is a lettered multi-sport student athlete, as well as Vice President of Model UN and film club. She has been a part of the AVTF program for three years.

McKinley films sporting events for the school, creates video content, and is a producer and anchor for Blue Devil News, Marietta High School’s morning program.

In the world of film, McKinley is greatly inspired by Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Oscar. The winning movie, ‘Gone With the Wind’, was also the longest movie to ever win an Oscar.

“She gave us a certain level of honor that had never been seen before, especially during a time of hatred and racism toward Black people,” Madison McKinley (11) said.