Jullian Merritt was named student of the month for October. He is a Marine Technology
student with a 4.0 GPA and is on track to graduate from National Park College (NPC)
in 2024. Some of his interests include hunting, fishing, homesteading, beekeeping
and video games.
Merritt is originally from Graham, WA where he graduated from Bethel High School in
2011. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army for four years. When he got out he
went to culinary school. He started as a line cook, and within four years he owned
his own restaurant. “I overworked myself, and unfortunately lost my passion for cooking,”
said Merritt.
Merritt moved to Kirby, AR in September 2022 and noticed a need for a mobile marine
mechanic on Lake Greeson. He said he chose the NPC Marine Technology Program because
it is the “best marine repair in the country. As a hands-on learner, Mr. Hunter provides
a great curriculum to ensure every student is getting their hands dirty. To me, I
learn best in this manner. Dino Hunter is the best teacher around.”
Merritt plans to graduate from NPC’s Marine Technology program and start a mobile
marine business on Lake Greeson. He stated, “I really want to be a part of the community.
I want to be the go-to guy on Lake Greeson.”
When asked how it felt to be named student of the month, Merritt said, “It’s awesome
to see hard work pay off and be noticed.”
Marine Technology instructor Delmar Hunter said, "Jullian is a veteran, father, and
husband who works a part-time job while attending the NPC Marine program full-time.
Jullian also home-schools his son and maintains a small family farm in Montgomery
County. He commutes an hour away daily. Jullian is the dream student. He is prepared
for each daily task and goes out of his way to ensure that others in the class don’t
fall behind. He stays in the classroom during lunch helping others study. Jullian
will make an excellent marine technician one day soon. He is already an excellent
human.”
