High Schooler Devoted to Music, Volunteerism

Bridgewater Patch is seeking suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid [or Kids].

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail it to audreyl@patch.com.

This week's Whiz Kid is....

Brian Jeremiah

Age: Junior at

Community Organization: Bridgewater-Raritan High School marching band, and many leadership roles

Accomplishment: Brian Jeremiah is an amazing young adult in terms of sheer intellectual vitality, sensitivity, moral fortitude, along with many gifts and talents. Jeremiah is an engaging learner who is mature, highly motivated and self-directed. In addition, he pursues his goals with commitment, persistence, and diligence. I admire the tenacity of this young man because he is willing to take on academic challenges in order to gain more knowledge, and has a keen desire to learn.

Key to Awesomeness: A vivid reflection I recall from last school year, I needed to find a peer mentor for one of my freshman students. I sent out several passes to my sophomore students, but when I asked them if anyone would have time to support and mentor this freshman, the responses were “No.” Then, Jeremiah said yes, and he soon developed a friendship with this student in school and out, meeting for lunches together twice a week for the entire school year.

Additionally, since Jeremiah performs in several of the school ensembles including the marching band, he invited this student and his parent to an event. I believe that he has exceptional qualities that separate him from his peers, like altruism, concern for others and a strong sense of responsibility.

Jeremiah also stands out for his unique leadership roles in the community. He participated in a charitable event for multiple sclerosis in May through the 2011 Coast to Coast Multiple Sclerosis 50-mile bicycle ride. He independently raised more than $250 for this incredibly giving organization and is planning to do it again in 2012.

This year, Jeremiah opened several home football games on trumpet, soloing with the "National Anthem." Our new interim principal, Lew Ludwig, took time to speak to Jeremiah at the game to congratulate him on his outstanding performance.

Last spring, Jeremiah helped out a new community group called the Somerset Valley Orchestra, where he played principal trumpet. He was the featured soloist at the Bradley Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony where he performed the "Star Spangled Banner," and also led a very solemn and moving rendition of "Taps." Jeremiah plays his trumpet with a beautiful tone and pitch that is rarely heard among students his age.

Last year was a considerable year of growth for Jeremiah. As a 10th grader at BRHS, he was already one of the best trumpet players in the school. As an 11th grader, he currently sits in the highly acclaimed BRHS wind ensemble and also plays in the state finalist BRHS Monday Jazz Band. Jeremiah was very instrumental in helping out the many new members of his section throughout the season both in this and last year’s marching band seasons, and he is a great student in that he leads by example and is one of the students the band directors can always count on.

In December 2010, Jeremiah auditioned for and made the Central NJ Region II Wind Ensemble.

Jeremiah's interest in music has become a universal journey in all aspects of learning. His passion for music begins with his mother, who is also a musician and piano teacher. Or perhaps, because Jeremiah is a fifth generation trumpeter, it begins with his great great grandfather who was a bugler in the Italian Army; his great grandfather, a leader of the United States Army Band Infantry; his grandfather who played as well; and his uncle and mentor, who has played with countless musical giants worldwide, ranging from Southside Johnny and the Jukes, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, John Mayer, the Nelson Riddle Band and many other greats. 

Jeremiah is disciplined, focused, patient and has an outstanding work ethic.

Nominator(s): Terry McDonald, school counselor at BRHS; Larry Markiewicz, band director at BRHS