Jul 6, 2025
From left are Emily Schwertfeger, Charles Domenico, Leah Marsh, and Connor Sullivan.
Four graduating Fredonia High School seniors were named recipients of the Ricky Burgstrom Music and Bowling Scholarship. The awards were presented by Richard and Brenda Burgstrom, his parents.
“This scholarship has grown over the last four years in the number of honorees and value of the scholarships,” his father said. “Through the generosity of Ricky’s friends, family, and the Remember Ricky celebration, it will continue to increase. We were just informed by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation that this scholarship has reached maturity in less than four years. We were further informed of another large donation that will be added to Ricky’s Scholarship fund. We hope that you will encourage any future graduates to take a few minutes to apply in the future.”
Those receiving honors at graduation ceremonies on June 29 were Charles Domenico, Leah Marsh, Emily Schwertfeger and Connor Sullivan.
“Ricky was motivated to work part time at Rite Aid, being a licensed Real Estate Agent and most importantly starting his own business “Burger Kicks.” Burger Kicks was a successful business that introduced Ricky to the “Sneakers Community,” his dad said. “Ricky prided himself on friendships. He saw the good in everyone and developed a vast network of contacts throughout the United States and the World. The selection committee was asked to identify individuals that went beyond being a high school student. We looked for student learners that displayed “leadership through example.”
All the applicants spoke about their experiences in the many clubs, organizations, and sports at high school. Most wrote about work experiences and family endeavors. Here was some of the achievements of the recipients:
— Schwertfeger participated in Band eight years, Jazz Band two years, and represented Fredonia at CCMTA competition. An accomplished musician performing on the flute.
She participated in Unified Bowling for three years. “She is the type of student who will quietly observe, carefully assess situations, and then act in the most thoughtful and compassionate ways. She shows a genuine interest and love for students with disabilities and for those who simply struggle to fit in for whatever reason,” said one of the recommendations.
— Domenico participated in Band eight years, Jazz Band seven years, and represented Fredonia at CCMTA and NYSSMA competition for six years. An accomplished musician performing on the Baritone Saxophone. He participated in Chorus for six years and FHS Musicals. He participated in Unified Bowling and Lucky Lanes Junior Bowling Program for four years. “I have noticed that it’s always easy to put your head down and walk through the hallway, ignoring everyone and everything in your path,” Domenico wrote in his application. “This may get you by because it allows you to ignore all the negativity around you. However, over the last four years, I have come to realize something important: if you put on a smile and say “hi” to everyone, it can not only brighten your day but add something to theirs. After all, everyone is dealing with stressors and attempting to get to the finish line.”
— Marsh participated in Orchestra and performed on the cello for four years. She was involved in high school musicals in singing, dancing and performance for four years. She was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for two years. She participated in the Lucky Lanes Junior Bowling Program for five years.
“Being modest, friendly, uplifting, and welcoming are keys to building meaningful relationships and creating a positive environment for every person that I encounter,” she said. “These qualities reflect my desire to help, support, and encourage those around me and have led me to pursue a nursing degree.”
The members of the scholarship committee also appreciated her concluding thoughts. “I work hard every day to embody those qualities that made Ricky such a wonderful person,” she said. “Even though I was pretty young, I remember him umpiring games at the Fredonia Little League field and coming to the concession stand where I often spent time with my mother. I would always ask her who he was because he was always smiling. It would be such an honor to receive this scholarship in his memory.
— Sullivan participated in sports throughout high school including being a founding member of the Trap Club and was involved in the Junior Bowling Program at Lucky Lanes for 10 years. He participated in Band for four years, Jazz Band for four years, and represented Fredonia at CCMTA competition. An accomplished musician performing on numerous percussion instruments “All students and staff enjoy working with him, one recommendation said. “In particular, his work with founding our trap club is inspirational. He is very good at empowering others. Connor is one of the kindest section leaders I have ever had.”
Burgstrom then added a message for parents about the next step for the graduates. “They will soon be leaving your home,” he said. “We hope that you will take the time to communicate and grow your role in their future. Do not have any regrets. Make sure that your relationship evolves so that the transition to the future includes the entire family.”
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