I just stepped away from a high school gym in Kelowna where the rhythmic bounce of a basketball and determined grunts of effort told me more about teen ambition than any campaign speech I’ve covered this year.
Sixteen-year-old Maya Harpur isn’t just chasing her dreams – she’s photographing them, frame by compelling frame. The Kelowna Secondary School student has made the shortlist for Sports Illustrated’s prestigious student photography scholarship, placing among the top 15 finalists across North America.
“I never expected to make it this far,” Harpur told me between shots at a local basketball practice. “Photography started as something I just loved doing, but now it might actually help shape my future.”
The Sports Illustrated scholarship program, which began in 2017, offers not just financial support but mentorship opportunities with the magazine’s veteran photographers. For Harpur, who discovered photography in Grade 8, this recognition represents validation of countless hours spent on sidelines and in gymnasiums.
Her portfolio showcases a remarkable eye for what photographers call “the decisive moment” – that split second when emotion, action and composition align perfectly. In one striking image, a volleyball player hangs suspended in mid-air, determination etched across her face, while teammates watch with collective anticipation.
BC has produced noteworthy sports photographers before, including Richard Lam, whose iconic shot during the 2011 Vancouver Stanley Cup riots made international headlines. Now Harpur hopes to follow in such footsteps, though her journey hasn’t been without challenges.
“Equipment is expensive, and so are the opportunities,” explained Darren Harpur, Maya’s father and a local business owner. “We’ve invested what we could, but this scholarship would be transformative.”
The scholarship winner receives $10,000 toward post-secondary education along with professional-grade camera equipment worth approximately $5,000. Perhaps more valuable is the internship opportunity with Sports Illustrated’s photo department – a rare door opener in an increasingly competitive field.
According to the Professional Photographers of Canada association, successful entry into sports photography has grown more challenging as publications reduce staff positions. Their 2022 industry report noted that approximately 65% of working sports photographers now operate as freelancers, making early career support critical.
“What stands out about Maya’s work is her ability to capture genuine emotion,” said Kelowna photography instructor Melissa Baker. “Many young photographers can get technically perfect shots, but Maya’s images tell stories.”
The finalists were selected from more than 1,700 applicants across Canada and the United States. Sports Illustrated’s selection committee, which includes three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Deanne Fitzmaurice, evaluates technical skill, creative vision, and storytelling ability.
“These young photographers represent the future of our craft,” Fitzmaurice stated in Sports Illustrated’s announcement of the finalists. “Their fresh perspectives remind us why sports photography matters – it preserves moments of human achievement that might otherwise be forgotten.”
For the Okanagan community, Harpur’s recognition highlights the growing arts scene in a region often associated primarily with agriculture and tourism. The Kelowna Arts Council reports a 27% increase in youth engagement with visual arts programs since 2019, suggesting broader cultural shifts in the region.
“We’re seeing talented young people choose to stay in the valley and build creative careers,” noted Simon Peters, director of the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art in Kelowna. “Maya’s recognition shows that geographic location doesn’t limit talent or opportunity anymore.”
The scholarship winner will be announced next month, following final portfolio reviews and interviews with the selection committee. Regardless of the outcome, Harpur has already secured an exhibition of her work at Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts this summer.
As our conversation wound down, I watched Harpur adjust her camera settings and return to the baseline of the court, waiting for the perfect moment. A player leapt, the shutter clicked, and another potential portfolio piece was captured.
“Sometimes I think about how I’m literally freezing time,” she reflected. “Years from now, these athletes might look back at these images and remember exactly how they felt in that moment. That’s pretty special.”
In a political climate where youth engagement often makes headlines for its absence rather than its impact, Harpur’s determination offers a refreshing counter-narrative. As the rest of us debate policy that will shape these young lives, it’s worth remembering that in gyms, studios and classrooms across the country, the next generation isn’t waiting for permission to make their mark.
They’re already focused on the future, one frame at a time.
