Julian "Avi" Hanusz
Athlete, Scholar, and Entrepreneur
JULIAN "AVI" HANUSZ is a senior at Ottawa Hills High School in Toledo, Ohio, where he is known for his leadership, drive, and balance of academics, athletics, and entrepreneurship. Known by his childhood nickname (derived from his middle name Avanindra), Avi is dual U.S. and Indonesian citizen who spent his early childhood in Jakarta, Indonesia and has grown into a young man whose life bridges cultures and ambition. Moving to America at eight years old, he embraced every opportunity that came with starting over—academically, athletically, and personally—and has built a record that reflects dedication, curiosity, and resilience.
Avi maintains a 3.9 GPA in a rigorous honors and AP course load while competing as a multi-sport varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, golf, and lacrosse. A leader across multiple teams, he is known for setting high standards, mentoring younger players, and leading by example. In basketball, he earned All-Ohio honors (Division V Honorable Mention, 2026), placing him among the top players in the state. At the regional level, he was selected Second Team All-District (District 7 Basketball Coaches Association) and Third Team All-Northwest District (Ohio Prep Sports Media Association), reflecting recognition from both coaches and media. He was also selected to play in the 2026 District 7 All-Star Game on March 29, highlighting his standing among the top senior players in the region.
His achievements extend beyond athletics. Avi was named a Chick Evans Scholar, one of the most prestigious caddie-based scholarships in the United States, awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and character. This honor reflects years of dedication at The Inverness Club, where he has worked as a caddie since his freshman year, developing professionalism, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills.
In 2025, Avi co-founded Harry’s Candy Company, a family-run business specializing in premium freeze-dried candy made in Toledo. As Marketing Director, he oversees sales, branding, and customer relationships. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small startup into a recognized regional brand carried in stores and markets across northwest Ohio. The business also successfully prevailed in litigation against the Ohio Department of Agriculture, demonstrating both resilience and strategic thinking.
Avi also works at The Inverness Club, one of the top golf courses in the United States. As a caddie since his freshman year, he has learned professionalism, attention to detail, and the importance of communication—skills that have carried into his academics and business ventures alike.
Avi is equally committed to service and community impact. He has helped lead Caddies Against Cancer, a fundraising initiative supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and volunteers through Teen P.E.P., promoting healthy relationships and responsible decision-making among students. Whether mentoring younger athletes or contributing to charitable efforts, he believes leadership is defined by service to others.
On March 28, 2026, Avi committed to attend the Farmer School of Business at Miami University, where he plans to study business and finance. Building on his academic, athletic, and entrepreneurial foundation, he aims to pursue opportunities in management, entrepreneurship, and global markets.
From Jakarta to Toledo, from student to entrepreneur, Avi’s story reflects what is possible when discipline, perspective, and purpose align.