About Me.
Nijel Braxton Murray is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is currently a senior at Nevada State High School, a dual credit program which allows students to earn college credits while simultaneously acquiring a high school diploma. Nijel is set to graduate in 2021 with high honors. He will complete his high school diploma with a 4.3 gpa and an AA degree (3.6 gpa). He has been accepted into the University Of Nevada Las Vegas for the 2021 Fall semester. Nijel is enrolled in the Business PRE major program. Prior to high school, Nijel created several successful businesses that have been conducive to further propelling his interests and aspirations in business and marketing. Mr. Murray believes that pursuing a Business and Marketing degree will lead him to a profitable and satisfying future and propel him to accomplishing his lifetime goal of owning and operating his own business.
Personal Life
In addition to his studies and educational goals, Nijel draws unique ideas and perspectives from his family. Along with his parents, Duane and Shon Murray, Nijel has an older brother. Another major part of Nijel’s life involves foster care. His family opened their home to an eleven year old boy for an entire year until he was able to be reunified with his family of origin. This experience greatly impacted Nijel and was significant in his pursuit to create a foundation that would further help children in the foster care system.
Involvement
Throughout high school, Nijel has been involved in community service to aid children in foster care with clothing and resources. In 2017, Klothes 4 Kids (K4K) was founded by 14-year-old Nijel Murray because of an experience he had with a child that his family fostered. When his foster brother left Child Haven, all of his belongings were thrown together in a garbage bag. This is a common occurrence for children who have been removed from their homes with no time to pack. His foster brother’s clothes did not fit and he was embarrassed to wear them. He had school the next day, so Nijel’s parents scrambled to purchase clothing for him. This made an impact on Nijel. Seeing the stress of his parents and the previous sadness of his foster brother, Nijel knew he didn't want other kids and families to experience this, so K4K began. K4K provides foster kids with duffel bags (to replace the unspoken message of the garbage bag) and fills them with new clothing, an item of comfort, and other necessities. Nijel has garnered partnerships with agencies across Las Vegas to help with his mission to provide for children in foster care. Project 150, Andre Agassi Foundation, City Of Las Vegas YNAPP, Department of Family and Children's Services and St. Jude's Ranch, just to name a few. Nijel’s community involvement has built skills relative to leadership, communication, and timeliness. Nijel is also heavily involved in his church. He is a youth group leader, a drummer and member of the Production Team at Living Word Ministry Church and an active participant in the outreach ministry.
Achievement Awards
YNAPP (Youth Neighborhood Associates Partnership Program)
Vice Chair
2018-2021
​
Tribute to African American Achievement Awards
2020
​
College of Southern Nevada
National Society Leadership & Success
2020
​
Semper Fidelis All American
Certificate of Achievement
2020
​
Heisman High School Scholarship, issued by: Nevada State High School
School Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Academic, Athletics & Community Service
2020
​
​
NAACP
Certificate of Recognition
Community Activists
2021
​
US Senator for Catherine Cortez Masto
Certificate of Commendation
NAACP Legacy Builder Award
2021
​
Bank of America Student Leader Internship
2021
​
Reebok Internship
2021
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
NV Top High School Youth Volunteer
2021
-
Morning Blend
2018
-
The CW Las Vegas
-
Brut Media
2019
-
People Magazine
-
Las Vegas Review Journal
2021