Calhoun grad awarded community scholarship

When Merrokean Sharon Williams browsed through scholarship submissions from eager high school students in May, she became instantly intrigued by one essay.

It even brought tears to her eyes. The detail and writing skills were so compelling that Williams said she knew it was the winning submission in an instant. Calhoun High School graduate Vonn Brickmeier was selected as the winner of the Philip L. Williams Memorial Scholarship.

“Vonn’s essay was written extremely well. I was taken aback by his entire essay,” Williams said. The scholarship is dedicated to her late husband, Philip Williams, who was a Merrick resident and Navy veteran. He died in 2009. The scholarship was established to help deserving high school seniors who exemplify core values such as patriotism, family, community service and a strong work ethic.

“Every time I think about Vonn’s essay I get teary eyed,” Williams said. “I’ve worked with learning-disabled children for 25 years, so anytime I see a child — any child regardless of learning disabilities or not — better themselves and take steps to succeed, it really brings tears to my eyes.”

Williams said Brickmeier’s essay included personal, academic and educational details about himself. He seamlessly wrapped his school experiences into one, providing a clear picture for Williams. “He just writes so beautifully and poetically,” Williams said. “He wrote about becoming interested in cars and how that was a healthy outlet for him to express himself and let any stress out. He just wrote about things that kids don’t usually have to worry about. The maturity is incredible.”

Despite the praise for him, Brickmeier said the spotlight should be on families, organizations and individuals who establish scholarships. “These people are pretty amazing,” he said. “They basically give money to complete strangers. It’s their way of saying, ‘I believe in you. Now go do the great things you are destined do to.’ It’s that belief that makes a person more determined to succeed and help others.”

Brickmeier said he was honored and humbled to have been chosen as this year’s Philip L. Williams Memorial Scholarship recipient. “Mrs. Sharon Williams presented me with my scholarship,” he said. “We had an instant connection. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She is kind and genuine.”

Brickmeier, who lives in Bellmore, credited his peers and teachers with keeping him focused and encouraged, and he had special praise for Calhoun Principal Nicole Hollings. “We see Ms. Hollings actively participating at absolutely every event and fundraiser and cheering us on every step of the way,” he said. “We see our teachers tirelessly donating their free time and energy. [They] have always put students’ needs first and went above and beyond. We are inspired by their goodness, kindness and selflessness. I never felt pressured to be charitable. It just always felt natural.”

Brickmeier also said that his mother helped him succeed every step of the way. “They say charity begins at home,” he said. “For me, that statement could not be more true. My mom is the most unselfish person I know. At home and at Calhoun, I was always encouraged and reminded that if you have the opportunity to help someone, do it. You will enhance a life and your life will also be enhanced.”

Brickmeier plans to attend Nassau Community College in the fall. “When I graduate from college, I hope to work with special-needs students,” he said. “I will make a difference.”