Nominate a Hero for the 10th Annual Senior Heroes Awards

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 This year, the Senior Heroes Awards marks a major milestone with its 10th Annual Senior Heroes Awards, themed “Flip the Script: Changing the Story of Aging, One Hero at a Time.

Since 2017, the Senior Heroes Awards have honored individuals and organizations providing exceptional service and support to Clark County’s aging population and people with disabilities. To date, the program has presented 79 awards, with 10 additional heroes expected to be honored in 2026.

“We all know someone who shows up, steps in, and goes above and beyond for seniors,” said Debi Friesz, Senior Heroes Awards Committee Chair. “This is the year to recognize them. Whether they are a caregiver, healthcare professional, volunteer, advocate, family member, community leader, or organization, their work matters — and their story deserves to be celebrated.”

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals and organizations for leadership, caregiving, community service, healthcare, senior advocacy, and senior-focused organizational service. Nominations close June 1, 2026.

The 2026 Senior Heroes Awards will honor 10 heroes right here in Clark County. The program will also award a $2,000 scholarship to an individual living in Clark County who wants to pursue a nursing license or other senior-focused healthcare certification.

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Luepke Center in Vancouver, Washington.

Nominations and scholarship applications may be submitted at:
seniorawards.org/clark-county

Key Details

What: 10th Annual Senior Heroes Awards
Theme: Flip the Script: Changing the Story of Aging, One Hero at a Time
Nomination Deadline: June 1, 2026
Awards Ceremony: July 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Luepke Center, Vancouver, WA
Awards: 10 heroes honored in Clark County
Scholarship: $2,000 senior-focused healthcare scholarship

About Senior Heroes Awards

The Senior Heroes Awards is an annual recognition program celebrating individuals and organizations who make significant contributions to the well-being of older adults and people with disabilities in Clark County, Washington. Since 2017, the program has honored caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, volunteers, community leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that go above and beyond to support seniors, promote dignity, and strengthen the community.

Contact

Senior Heroes Awards Committee
Website: seniorawards.org/clark-county
Email: info@seniorawards.org

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Thank you again to 2025 Sponsors:

• Delores Ardeleanu, owner of multiple Adult Family Homes –

$5,000 Presenting Sponsor

• Activity Connection – $3,000 Media Sponsor

• Koelsch Senior Living – $2,000 Lunch Sponsor

• Cogir Senior Living – $2,000 Awards Sponsor

• Waste Connections – $1,500 Sponsor

GUARDIAN SPONSORS ($1,000):

• 1st CHOICE Advisory Services

• Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW & WA Cares

• Brookdale Senior Living

• CDM Caregiving Services/HOPE Dementia Support

• Creekside Place Memory Care

• Friends of Hospice

• Home Instead

• The Springs Living

• The Wisdom Chain

• Van Mall Retirement Living

• Vancouver Clinic

HERO SPONSORS ($500):

• A Caring Choice

• Alzheimer’s Association

• CMAC

• CenterWell Home Health

• D&E Auto Repair 

• Highgate Senior Living

• Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center

• NW Estate Law

• Oasis Senior Advisors

• PNW Aging Services

• PeaceHealth

• Vancouver Police Dept.

Scholarship Opportunity

In addition to the awards, a $2,000 scholarship is available for individuals pursuing certifications such as RN, LPN, LVN, CNA, or NAC, with the goal of working with seniors. Applicants must submit a 60-second video explaining their passion for senior care and how the scholarship will support their career goals. 

The application deadline is June 1, 2026. Upload videos and complete the application at seniorawards.org/clark-county (WIN).

For more information, contact Debi Friesz, Senior Heroes Awards Committee Chair at 360-947-1910 or email debi.friesz@homeinstead.com.

Let’s come together to honor those who dedicate their lives to 

caring for our elders—because they deserve nothing less.