About

I’m Julian Merritt, a high school senior with a passion for storytelling, sports, and making a positive impact in my community. Growing up in a family that values education, service, and creativity, I’ve been inspired to contribute my creativity and leadership skills in meaningful ways.

My journey took a big turn when an injury took me off the basketball court, but it led me to discover my passion for storytelling and leadership off the court.

Now, I’m focused on telling the stories that connect us, especially the resilience, family, and sacrifices that shape people’s lives.

What I’m All About

My work blends my love for sports, creativity, and service, but my focus goes beyond just the game. I’m drawn to telling the stories of resilience, family, and the sacrifices that shape athletes and those around them. Whether I’m filming a short documentary, designing for a brand, leading a student organization, or volunteering, I’m motivated by the bigger picture—what connects and lifts us all.

Core Values

  • Family: My family’s support and example taught me the importance of community and building a lasting legacy.

  • Faith: My faith grounds me and guides my decisions, helping me find purpose through challenges.

  • Curiosity: I’m constantly learning, exploring new perspectives, and looking for ways to connect with others.

  • Creativity: Creativity fuels everything I do, driving me to take on new projects and tell impactful stories.

  • Service: Service means creating opportunities and making a difference for those around me.

My Journey and Achievements

Academics

  • Hayfield Secondary School

  • AP Coursework: I’ve pushed myself academically with multiple AP courses, maintaining a 3.4 GPA while balancing studies, leadership roles, and creative pursuits.

  • Growth Mindset: My injury taught me resilience, which I apply to academics by challenging myself and striving to grow.

( This Is Me Selling & Advertising Our Schools Homecoming T-Shirts During School )

Leadership & Service

  • Vice President, Black Student Union: As VP, I focus on building unity and support within our school’s Black community, using events and initiatives to empower and lift up my peers.

  • VP of Programs, DECA: I connect our DECA chapter with students interested in business and help organize events that promote teamwork, learning, and growth.

  • Community Service with Jack and Jill: I contribute to the Mt. Vernon Chapter by organizing social justice projects, providing meals for families in need, and promoting civic engagement. My involvement in Jack and Jill has helped me realize the impact of community-driven service.

Athletics & The Business Of

  • Basketball Team Captain: As team captain, I led on and off the court, and even after my injury, I found new ways to support my teammates from the sidelines.

  • First Place, Sports Management in FBLA: Competing in FBLA introduced me to sports facility management and earned me first place regionally for Sports and Entertainment Management.

  • Project Management Intern at The St. James: My three-year internship with this prestigious sports complex helped me build hands-on skills in sports and business management, applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations.

Creative Storytelling

  • Founder, Short Films Club: I created the Short Films Club to bring students together through film. As VP, I direct and edit short films and encourage others to share their own stories.

  • Alora Attire Spring Collection Design: As the creative designer for Allura Attire’s spring collection, I turned my ideas into wearable designs, connecting with my community in a new way.

  • The Portrait Series & Emotions Collection: My photography projects explore emotion and daily life, inviting viewers to see their own stories in each image.

Where I’m Headed

I’m excited to pursue a college education that bridges my love for sports and creativity. It will give me the skills to work in sports media or marketing and tell impactful stories.

My goal is to work in a role where I can blend sports and creative media, producing content that highlights the resilience, challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories of athletes and the people who play a role in the real lives and business of sports. I want to use my skills to bring these stories to life in a way that connects with fans, communities, and future athletes.

Thanks for taking the time to learn about my journey. I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to make an impact and share my story along the way!