The 2026 Shining Star Awards
WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue celebrating and honoring the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2026 Shining Star Awards.
Award Categories
- Leadership: Administrators, Executive Directors, owners, executives, and all leadership roles are eligible for nomination under this category.
- Director of Nursing
- Direct Caregiver: nurse aids, clinical staff, and other staff providing direct resident care are eligible for nomination under this category. Three individuals are selected for a Shining Star Award in this category.
- Support Staff: All non-clinical and non-direct care staff are eligible for nomination under this category. For example, and not limited to: dietary, housekeeping, janitorial, maintenance, activity/resident enrichment, marketing/communications, front office/business operations, and HR.
The Shining Star recipients and their nominators will be notified by September 28th, 2026. The recipients will be recognized for their achievement and presented with a crystal award during the Awards Ceremony & Dinner Reception on October 29, 2026, at The Madison Marriott West, as part of the 75th Annual Fall Convention & Expo programming. We request that the Shining Star winners be present at the Awards Ceremony! Each Shining Start recipient will have a reserved, 8-person table at the Awards Ceremony & Dinner Reception; their family, friends, and colleagues are encouraged to join them at the ceremony for their honorable recognition of dedication and service to the long term care sector!
The 2026 Shining Star nomination window closes September 11th! Recipients & their nominators will be notified by September 28th.
CLICK HERE to view the 2025 Shining Star Award Winners and all those nominated for these prestigious awards!