Senior Joshua Wilson, the 2026 recipient of the Richard A. Balgenorth Lasallian Award for Higher Education, plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. 

Josh is among the top seniors in the Class of 2026 and on track to graduate summa cum laude. His schedule has included five Advanced Placement (AP) courses; he is taking three this year  - AP Calculus AB, AP English LIterature and Composition, and AP Psychology. 

He has applied to several universities which have a pre-veterinary track, including Michigan State University, Penn State University, and the University of Illinois. 

Although Josh has played soccer at De La Salle for four years and also plays travel soccer, he does not plan to play soccer at the collegiate level. 

Josh was a team captain this year and cites the friendship and brotherhood of the DLS Varsity Soccer team. 

Head varsity soccer coach Thaier Mukhtar said, “Josh Wilson is a great leader and role model. He has had to work hard to reach his academic and athletic success. He will be successful in life because he is goal-oriented. I am so proud of this young man.”

In addition to soccer, Joshua has been a member of the De La Salle Student Council three of his four years at DLS. 

To fulfill the service requirements for the National Honor Society, Josh chose to tutor at a local elementary school. He enjoyed tutoring Math and English to fourth and fifth graders, and although he fulfilled his service hours, he has continued to tutor two days a week after school.

“I decided to stick with it,” Josh said. “The kids like me, and it’s fun.” 

NHS moderator Ben Westphal said, "He serves as a powerful role model for every student he encounters. Beyond athletics, Josh continues to give back to the community and positively impacts the lives of countless students—always with a genuine smile."

In addition to his school and volunteer commitments, Josh has worked over over a year at an Italian restaurant in Sterling Heights, preparing delivery and carryout orders. 

He also enjoys working out when he has a chance. 

Josh advises freshmen this way: “If De La Salle doesn’t click at first, just give it time. I felt the same way in freshman year. Don’t slack off.” 

In his essay for the Balgenorth Scholarship he wrote, “If it was not for De La Salle, I do not know where I would be. I do know it has provided me 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.”

Vice Principal Annmarie Michol said, “Josh is a true leader both on and off the soccer field. His work ethic, determination, and positive attitude set the standard for those around him. As a teammate, he leads by example, competing with intensity while always showing sportsmanship and respect. Off the field, he is just as impressive, serving as a role model for younger students through his character, humility, and willingness to help others. His dedication and strong values will no doubt lead him to continued success in the years ahead.”  

Josh said he will carry memories of the great school spirit at De La Salle and his experiences on the Kairos retreat.

Faculty member Scott Grimmer who got to know Josh at a past Kairos retreat said, “He is deeply committed to his faith, and his faith is clearly evident in his interactions with classmates, teammates, and the faculty and staff at school. In my opinion, he is a clear example of the school motto Builders of Boys, Makers of Men, working exactly as the founder, St John Baptist De La Salle had in mind.”

Josh recently served as a leader for the spring 2026 Kairos retreat. 

"Serving as a leader is way different than being a retreatant," Josh said. " The role of leader is very fulfilling. I was able to help retreatants experience what I experienced the first time that I made this retreat. This experience will definitely be one of my favorite memories of De La Salle."

Josh lives in Shelby Township with his parents Rodney and Angela Wilson. His older sister attends Ball State University (Indiana), and is an Architecture major. 

The family attends St. John Vianney in Shelby Township.