Pine Creek High School recent graduate Madeline McIntosh views the world through her own unique lens. Her passion for filmmaking ignited at the Youth Documentary Academy in Colorado Springs during the summer before her junior year. Madeline is captivated by the entire process of filmmaking: writing, storyboarding, filming and editing.
"I love being able to express myself creatively and having the opportunity to impact large audiences," she explains.
Madeline produced a short film, "Sin/Without," that shows nature as a common thread between people, their belief systems and their well-being. It was accepted into two film festivals, including the prestigious All American High School Film Festival, where it was showcased in Times Square.
Beyond her filmmaking endeavors, Madeline is equally passionate about helping others. Since seventh grade, she and her mother, Cami, have volunteered with National Charity League Inc. (NCL), a mother-daughter organization that promotes appreciation for philanthropy, leadership skills and cultural experiences.
Madeline has cherished her friendships with girls of all ages from different schools and the role models and supporters she found in NCL mothers. "I have had opportunities to lead class meetings and even chapter events, all while becoming a person who loves serving others and fostering community."
Madeline, a dancer for 13 years, values staying active. She enjoys hiking as well as playing instruments, most recently the guitar. "My personal philosophy is all about having a positive attitude and outlook on life. I believe everyone's purpose is just to make the world a better place, whether it's through service interactions with others, relationships, activism, whatever, as long as you're making a positive difference in even just one life."
It's important to find balance in your life. It's easy to get caught up in school or sports, but when you're all consumed by one area you miss out on a lot of other important things.Madeline McIntosh
This fall, Madeline will take that strong sense of purpose and her artistic vision to the University of Texas at Austin's Moody School of Communication. She'll be a film major in the Radio, Television and Film Program, with a minor in business, on a pre-law track. In the meantime, Madeline keeps creating film work independently on her Canon camera, sharing her artistic perspective and ideas about making a positive impact.
The Colorado Springs Chapter of National Charity League is a community of mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12 who are committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Visit nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/coloradosprings for membership information.
"Sin/Without"
A short film exploring nature as a common thread between people, their belief systems and their well-being. Showcased at the All American High School Film Festival in Times Square.