JA 18 Under 18
NY’EEM JOHNSON
Currently a senior at SEED School of Maryland, the only public boarding school in the state, Ny’Eem decided on a whim to buy a camera and teach himself to use it. At first, the idea was to preserve for posterity his relationships with friends, family, and the community. But it proved such an important creative outlet, he turned it into a business, Shots by Doodah. He now photographs events, school sports, and even poetry slams, and is mentoring two young students in the craft. In addition to being an honors student, Ny’Eem is co-captain of the football team, manager of the basketball team, and volunteers with Bloomberg Service Volunteers and at HeartSmiles. He was selected “Mr. SEED,” the school’s official student representative, which enables him to represent the school in community service initiatives regionally. Described as inquisitive and affable, Ny’Eem is a role model for younger students and hopes to use his photography talents to showcase all that is positive in Baltimore.
“Ny’Eem believes failure should always be a lesson and never an easy way out.” —Carmel Gambacorta, nominator