John Merrill in 2022 AL Senate race

On Civil Rights: 2016: Recognized by the ACLU as the Champion for Democracy

• In 2012, John Merrill was named the Alabama House Legislator of the Year by the Children's Trust Fund.
• In 2013, he was named as the Child Advocate of the Year at the Early Intervention and Preschool Conference.
• John was identified by the Sunlight Foundation as the Most Effective Republican Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 2011-14.
• In 2015, he was selected as one of 48 leaders from around the nation to attend and graduate from the Council of State Government's prestigious Henry Toll Fellowship Leadership Program.
• In 2016, he was recognized by the American Civil Liberties Union as the Champion for Democracy.
• In 2017, 2018, and 2019, he was recognized by the Aga Khan Foundation with the Community Support Award.
• In 2019, he received the Leading Globally Matters Locally Award from the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition for his work domestically and internationally.

On Principles & Values: Eagle Scout and involved with Boy Scouts of America

In 2014, John was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America for outstanding volunteer service in Scouting.

John is very active in his community and has served in many leadership capacities. He is a Deacon at Calvary Baptist Church, where he has served as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Sanctuary Choir. He is or has been a member of numerous community organizations, including the Children First Board of Directors, National Eagle Scout Association, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, and the Alabama Constables Association.