
Hobbies and interests
Journalism
Acting And Theater
Singing
Animals
Fairlie Mercer
585
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
Finalist
Fairlie Mercer
585
Bold Points1x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
I am a senior at Midtown High School and the Editor in Chief of our award-winning newspaper, the Southerner. Writing is something I have always been passionate about, so being able to craft stories that serve a purpose for my community is something I greatly value in my role as a journalist. I have written over 30 stories in my three years on the Southerner and hope to be able to continue journalism in college. I also am a devoted theater member, having done nine years in my four years in high school.
Education
Midtown High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Law
- Business/Corporate Communications
Career
Dream career field:
Law Practice
Dream career goals:
Research
Housing and Human Environments
AP Research — Researcher2024 – 2025
Arts
Midtown Drama
ActingEdward Tulane2025 – 2025
Public services
Volunteering
Releash Atlanta — Fostering and Transporting animals2020 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Lamar J. Young Memorial Scholarship
Midtown High School has created a safe haven. One that nourished my love for theater, and allowed me to find a deep passion for journalism on the staff and later as Editor in Chief for the Southerner. I feel fortunate having been able to attend Midtown for high school for the security it provided, from my friends to my teachers, I feel supported on every level. But as my time in high school comes to an end, college is fast approaching.
I plan on attending the University of Georgia in the coming fall, and with that comes change. Thus far, I have spent my entire life in Atlanta; it is what I am accustomed to and what I know as home. Change has never been an easy thing for me; little tiny adjustments don't always seem that little and tiny to me. College is such a privilege and an opportunity that I am so excited to be able to attend. College provides the opportunity to form lifelong relationships and friendships, but that also comes with pressure. It is there that you are supposed to make friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
My dad has always told me that college has multiple purposes, with the first being to get a good education, the second being to build relationships, and the third being to have fun. Whether it be through clubs, classes, sororities, or internships, one of the most important goals of college is to not only build new relationships but also maintain and strengthen them throughout the four years of college. I have seen first hand the impact of strong relationships, following Mr. Young's passing, I helped to compile interviews for the Southerner. I was able to not only hear but also feel the impact that Mr. Young made on the people whose lives he touched.
As for what I want to do after college, which I am not certain on yet, journalism, business, and law all seem like interesting paths that each provide a wide array of different yet exciting opportunities. However, I know one thing for certain, as I move into this next chapter of my life, building a strong foundation in relationships will be at the top of my priority list.