Ben Nikodem Wins
Vandersall Scholarship
Ben Nikodem is one of the most accomplished members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2014. The teenager’s academic record speaks for itself, but he’s an outstanding musician, too.
Mr. Nikodem’s remarkable four year run was recognized when he was presented with this year’s Jean Hoerner Vandersall scholarship by Huntington band director Jason Giachetti. The award, which is privately funded by the Vandersall family, carries with it a $500 stipend. It is given to a senior who has excelled academically and musically.
“Ben is a truly gifted musician who always brought talent and humor to every performance,” Mr. Giachetti said. Mr. Nikodem will begin classes at the University of Chicago in the fall. While he intends to study economics, he will never be very far removed from music.
Captain of the Blue Devil fencing team, Mr. Nikodem was a member of the Huntington’s pit orchestra, jazz ensemble and chamber orchestra. He was even chosen to display his artwork at the prestigious Long Island’s Best exhibit at the Heckscher Museum.
Mr. Nikodem intends to join the University of Chicago’s symphony orchestra and jazz ensembles. “A minor in music is also a possibility, though nothing is set in stone,” he said.
The teenager plays string bass, bass guitar and piano. “This summer, I have been working at Southdown Market and I have helped out at the Huntington Booster Club camps,” Mr. Nikodem said. “I have continued studying bass and piano over the summer and have had several gigs with my band, Gavinly.” The new grad leaves for college on September 19.
Mrs. Vandersall was a resident of Huntington from the 1950’s until she passed away. She taught piano and gave piano recitals throughout the Long Island area. Alicia Ortiz, a member of Huntington’s Class of 2012 who is studying biology at the University of Delaware, won the first Vandersall scholarship. Kevin Solomowitz was last year’s recipient. He is studying bassoon performance and music education at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
An accomplished pianist and a member of the Manhattan School of Music’s faculty, Mrs. Vandersall passed away on March 30, 2008. She maintained a very active teaching studio in Huntington and was an inspiration to her students. Mrs. Vandersall and her husband, Thornton sent three sons through the Huntington School District.