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Celebrating the people, organizations, businesses, and community leaders whose service, generosity, leadership, and community spirit make West Allis stronger.
Nominations are open: October 15 - November 15, 2026
Nomination form button will go live October 15!
About the West Allis Way Awards
The West Allis Way Awards recognize individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and community leaders whose service, leadership, generosity, and community involvement make a meaningful difference in West Allis.
The awards are intended to celebrate contributions that strengthen the community, whether through volunteer service, civic leadership, advocacy, philanthropy, neighborhood involvement, or other forms of meaningful impact.
Who can be recognized?
Nominees do not need to live in West Allis. However, their service, contributions, or impact must have a meaningful connection to the West Allis community.
What kind of contributions qualify?
Recognition is intended for service and contributions that go beyond an individual’s normal paid job responsibilities. Contributions may be made through volunteerism, community leadership, nonprofit involvement, neighborhood engagement, business support, or other forms of service.
2026 Award Categories
Awards open for public nominations
Heart of West Allis
The Foundation's highest honor for sustained leadership, dedication, advocacy, and transformational impact in 2026.
Business Partnership Award
A business or corporation strengthening West Allis beyond normal operations through support, philanthropy, volunteerism, partnership, and local vitality.
Lifetime Service Award
An individual or collective whose long-term commitment created a lasting legacy, generally through at least 20 years of service.
Community Builder Award
Someone who brings people together, strengthens neighborhoods, and creates positive change through collaboration, inclusion, and belonging.
Awards nominated through community partners
Volunteer of the Year
Exceptional volunteer service with meaningful local impact, commitment, and the ability to inspire others. Nominations accepted from an eligible nonprofit or school.
Civic Leadership Award
Exemplary appointed service on behalf of the City through boards, commissions, committees, task forces, or similar bodies. Nominees coordinated by the City of West Allis.
Kodachrome Kids
A district senior whose character, compassion, creativity, and service strengthen the community; includes a sponsored scholarship.
How Nominations Work
1. Submit a nomination
Nominations are accepted October 15–November 15, 2026.
2. Eligibility review
Submissions are reviewed to confirm they meet the requirements for the selected award.
3. Community judging
Eligible nominations are evaluated using the published criteria for each award.
4. Recipients notified
Selected recipients will be notified by December 15, 2026.
5. Awards presented
Recipients will be recognized at the West Allis Way Awards on February 16, 2027.
How Recipients are Selected
Published criteria
Eligible nominations are reviewed using the published criteria for each award category. Judges consider the nominee’s service, leadership, community impact, and the specific qualities identified for that award.
Community judging panel
Recipients are selected by a panel of community members representing different perspectives and experiences in West Allis.
Fair and independent review
Judges follow conflict-of-interest and recusal procedures. Where practical, identifying information may be limited during review so the focus remains on the nominee’s contributions.
2026 Community Judging Panel
The 2026 community judging panel is currently being finalized. Confirmed judges will be listed here before nominations close.
Ready to Nominate?
Review the award categories and eligibility requirements, then use the nomination form to tell us about the individual, family, business, or organization you believe deserves recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the nominee have to live in West Allis?
No. Their service, contributions, or impact must have a meaningful connection to the West Allis community.
Can paid work qualify?
Recognition is intended for contributions that go beyond normal paid job responsibilities.
Can anyone submit a nomination?
Some awards are open to public nominations. Others are coordinated through participating nonprofits, city bodies, or the school district.
How are recipients selected?
Eligible nominations are reviewed by the community judging panel using the published criteria for each award.
Can I nominate someone for more than one award?
We should confirm the policy before publishing this one.
Can I submit more than one nomination?
Same thing — worth confirming before we add it.
Still have questions? Contact us here.
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