Best DSLR camera for an interested beginner?

This is my last summer as a senior in high school, then it's off to college and away from my lifelong friends. I would love to document it in an artistic way by the means of photography. I have determined that Nikon, Canon, and Sony are the most popular brands. What would you recommend for me to get started in DSLR photography? Also what lens will give me the best overall performance for the money? I don't need any mega zoom, just some lenses that allow the subject to be in focus, and the rest to be out of focus. (I dont know what to call that). Thanks!