Congratulations to Joshua R. Wilson, Class of 2026, this year’s recipient of the Richard A. Balgenorth Lasallian Award for Higher Education. 

Named for the late Richard Balgenorth, Class of 1975, who passed away suddenly in 2007, the award is presented to a graduating senior who displays an understanding of the importance of his De La Salle experience. The award was established during the 2008-2009 school year, to perpetually honor Balgenorth, a faithful and proud supporter of the Lasallian mission at De La Salle.

Richard’s spirit carries on today through the generous work of his wife Kim Balgenorth has been a proud supporter of De La Salle; she was the DLS Counseling Department assistant from 2008 until her retirement in June 2023.
The Balgenorth Award, valued at $1,000, is to be used by a student to defray expenses directly associated with his first year of college.

Joshua plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, and has applied to several universities which have a Pre-veterinary track. 

He particularly wanted to apply for the scholarship when he learned how “Mr. Balgenorth noted that De La Salle supports not only a college career, but a whole life of hard work, values, and faith.”

In his application essay, Joshua wrote 

“When my parents announced I would attend De La Salle, I was uncertain about my future. Now as a senior reaching for the finish line, I cannot wait to share the same news with my son some day. De La Salle, simply put, has transformed my life.” 

Joshua went on to describe wanting to transfer at the end of his freshman year, but that “thankfully, my parents’ decision stood firm, and I gave De La Salle a real chance this time.” 

He also wrote, “This unique environment provided me with discipline and a true brotherhood, and as I go into different communities, I will make sure to always remember and keep in touch with my roots at De La Salle.”

After learning about St. John Baptist de La Salle, and how he welcomed students to a faith-based learning environment, Joshua noted, “I have met people of all ethnicities and social classes through De La Salle, and we all have access to the same opportunities. Lasallian teaching has given me a great advantage over others, and I have learned it is important to view things from different perspectives.”

He concluded his essay with these words:

“If it was not for De La Salle, I do not know where I would be. I do know it has provided ne with the framework for the rest of my life. I will make sure to find a supportive community that resembles De La Salle, and I will also stay involved in the De La Salle community. I will continue to use the work habits, discipline, and time management I learned at De La Salle, as it will support me in becoming the strongest version of myself I can be.”

Past Balgenorth Scholarship Winners include
Andrew Holub, ‘09
Michael Albani, ‘09
Bernard VanBerkum, ‘10 (now Father Anthony Van Berkum)
Kyle Sant, ‘11
Aaron Brzezinski, ‘12
Andrew Piontkowski, ‘13
Alexander Valentini, ‘14
Nicholas Jozefczyk, ‘15
Kevin Jones, ‘16
Russell Hu, ‘17
Michael Ososkie, ‘18
Christian Dean, ‘19
Andrew Rusu, ‘20
Michael Wisniewski, ‘21
Dylan Todaro, ‘22
George Gardey, ‘23
Nnaemeka Ikechi, ‘24
Nolan Kaz-Mikha, ‘25