For dedicated involvement over the past four years with Grand Rapids Right to Life, Kendall Wilson, a senior at The Potter’s House High School, was awarded the 2025 DJ Zarnosky Life Leadership Award.
Wilson received a $1,000 scholarship for exhibiting outstanding leadership in the prolife movement.
During her high school years, Wilson helped assemble yard signs to encourage people to vote against Proposal 3, assisted with office mailings, organized the Holiday Auction, and volunteered at Pedals & Petals, Car Hop Coin Drop, and the Prolife Golf Classic.
She also participated in the High School Oratory Contest, prayed in front of the abortion facility in downtown Grand Rapids, and attended Defund Planned Parenthood rallies.
“As someone who will be entering the medical field … my prolife foundation will give me the strength to uphold my integrity, even if that were to result in losing a job,” Wilson wrote in an essay reflecting on her commitment to life. “I believe life begins at conception and under no circumstances should be terminated.”
Wilson plans to study Biology at Lipscomb University in Tennessee.
This award is named to honor the memory of Dennis Joseph Zarnosky, who died in a tragic car accident in 2000. DJ was only 16 when he died; however, he was always a passionate supporter of life and was determined to make a difference in the world.
Steve and Sandy Zarnosky, DJ’s parents, were blessed by his life and they continue to be enriched and encouraged by memories of his spirit and by the young award recipients who are carrying on his legacy of commitment to the prolife movement.