Congratulations to Michael Wisniewski, Class of 2021, 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 given 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.

The Balgenorth Award, valued at $1,000, is to be used by a student to defray the acceptances directly associated with their first year of college. 

Michael has been accepted into the five-year MBA program at Northwood University (Midland, MI). 

An active student during his high school career at De La Salle, Michael has participated in a variety of student activities, including varsity tennis and varsity baseball, the Student Council, the SAVE Club, and World Cultures Club. He has also served as a Link Crew member, and as a Student  Ambassador. He is also in the Stock Market Club, and is a past District Champion in the DECA program. 

Michael carries a 4.394 GPA and is also a member of the National Honor Society. 

In his award application essay, Michael wrote that the “school has become my second home over the last four years,” and “has helped me in my personal and scholastic endeavors, emerging from a timid, pessimistic student into a curious thoughtful scholar.” 

Michael went on to note how he became involved with a variety of school activities and has developed personal relationships with the faculty. 

Michael is the son of Chris Wisniewski, ‘82, and brother of Ryan Wisniewski, ‘16. He is also the nephew of alumni Jim Wisniewski ‘81,  Brian Wisniewski, ‘81, and Mark Wisniewski, ‘83. 

Michael said he would miss his friends and teachers after graduating, but intends to be an involved alumnus. 

“I will always remember the impact De La Salle has had on me,” he said.