*Nicolas (Nico) from Palmetto Bay, Florida.*

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to present the recipient of the 2024 Peter Wessler Award: Nicolas from Palmetto Bay, Florida.

Peter Wessler served as the LSM Academy Director for 17 years before his death in 2020. LSM established this award in his name to honor him and to ensure his legacy continues into perpetuity: he was known for his unwavering commitment to the LSM community, his care, his attention to detail, and his servant heart.

Nicolas (Nico) was chosen as the designee for this award due to his notable contributions to the student community at LSM, and his behind-the-scenes service in support of the worship staff and services during the 2024 Academy.

Nico was a second-year percussion student this summer, and played in both the Festival Band and Festival Orchestra, took part in Jazz Ensemble, the Percussion Ensemble, and took secondary guitar lessons as well. He was also assigned to the Chapel crew for his service assignment to LSM – but went above and beyond his duties in assisting the worship staff and helping to prepare the chapel for services.

Sacristan Hannah Johnsrud shared, “Nico was always among the first to volunteer to help with anything that was needed for worship – especially in our processions for Evening Prayer and Sunday Eucharist. He was always ready to jump in, even at a moment's notice. Additionally, beginning last summer, Nico showed up on Sunday mornings at about 8am to help us get everything set for worship. From carrying chalices up two flights of stairs to the chancel, to cutting the communion bread, to filling pitchers with water, to lighting the candles, to setting out offering baskets, Nico was there and ready to help with whatever needed to be done. Truly, I often thought he should be listed as "Sacristan 2" on our worship bulletins for all that he did to support the worship team. His help was invaluable on those busy mornings with tight schedules! He really showed care in making sure things were in the right place so that everything would run smoothly.”

Chaplain Nathan Baker-Trinity added, “He was always so attentive to detail. He was willing to run on a moment’s notice to light candles! Having him as the crucifer for our last Sunday was a fitting way to honor him.”

We asked Nico to reflect on his time at LSM 2024, and his experience being part of the LSM community the last two summers.

What do you remember about your first summer at LSM last year? Did it take a while for you to get comfortable or figure things out?

Yeah. It definitely took some time to get used to, mostly just adjusting to being around new people from around the States.

What was it like for you to return to LSM as a second-year student?

It felt good to be back. Getting back here, it felt like I never left last year, with all the memories coming all back.

Tell us about some of the people you’ve met, and some of the friendships you’ve made.

I met a lot of diverse and interesting people that have their own stories to tell. My friends were really connected to each other, and through each shenanigan and conversation we got closer together. We all felt like we could rely on each other.

Tell us about some of the musical experiences you’ve had at LSM.

I had some very good musical experiences here at LSM. Playing exciting songs like “Circuit Breaker” and “Festivo” always brought some light to the day, and songs like “Quiet City,” gave us a more laid back feel. The experience was very refreshing.

What do you love about LSM, or about your experience at LSM?

I love the fact that I can do so much with my friends each day, from playing Smash Bros with the Bois, or kickball on the field, or helping execute the 1am singing of “I'm Just Seth”*, it was always a hoot to have fun with my friends.

*Explanation: on the last night of LSM, students have an extended 1:00am “lights out” time, after a lock-in last night party. This year, at the LSM Talent Show, Academy Director Seth Hartwell and Student Life Director Seth Carlson performed a song, “I’m Just Seth,” a parody of the Barbie movie song, “I’m Just Ken.” At 1:00am on the last night, several students broke out into singing that parody song…

How would you describe the LSM community, and how do you see yourself as a part of it?

Although the camp is cross country, if really felt like everyone belongs there. I've met people with so many different personalities and views on the world, yet everyone respected each other in ways you wouldn't get anywhere else. And because of that, I feel like I truly belong here.

Why is it important to you to show up and help set up for worship services and events?

It's important to me because my faith is a big part of my life and, while very confusing sometimes, I always feel like I have someone I can trust by my side, that being the Holy Spirit. So helping out with these things is kind of a way to give back to God.

What do you think is the most fun part of LSM?

The most fun part of LSM is the stuff you get up to with the people around you – hiking around with the percussion section after a rehearsal, or just playing Pokémon Go with my friends and counselors. You feel like you’re always having a good time with those around you.

Nico will return to LSM in 2025 for his third summer as a student, and we can’t wait to see him again.

LSM has established the Peter Wessler Endowment Fund to support students like Nico who exemplify the same compassion and dedication to the LSM community that Peter embodied. To date, over 130 contributions have been gathered to support this fund.

Click below to learn more and support the Peter Wessler Endowment Fund

2024 Peter Wessler Award Recipient Interview