Melissa Pawlus named Belvedere Senior Housing’s 2025 Shining Star

On Wednesday, December 3, Belvedere Senior Housing hosted its annual Shining Star Celebration, recognizing the Employee of the Year as chosen by residents. The award serves as a way for Belvedere to share a thank you for caring, along with going above and beyond. This year’s Shining Star was awarded to Melissa Pawlus.

The award process begins with a two-week nomination period where residents write in who they believe deserves the honor, including a detailed reason why. A committee made up of previous Shining Star recipients reviews every nomination.

“The nominations have to include a reason why. It has to be very specific, with a reason why that person should win. Based on that, the committee elects the employee with the most compelling reasons who has been nominated to win,” said Andrea Puente, director of sales and marketing.

The celebration was invitation-only, attended by residents, families, former winners, community members, and staff. The winner is not notified ahead of time — the executive director announces the name during the program. Pawlus’s brother and nephew even made a surprise appearance, keeping the secret until her name was called.

Before announcing the Employee of the Year, staff recognized each Employee of the Month in attendance. This year brought eight Shining Star nominees — the most ever, reflecting how many staff members the residents felt were worthy of the honor.

One of the nominations for Pawlus stood out the most.

“No matter how many people are at her desk, Melissa is always kind and patient. She answers the phone in a kind voice, but she also helps with flyers, makes copies, delivers packages and schedules events for residents. She makes medical appointments and also does cooking classes with us. She participates in all community events and does it despite suffering one of the most tragic losses anyone could experience. You are the heart of Belvedere, Melissa.”

The event, held from 2–3 p.m. in the dining room, featured lunch with sandwiches, veggie cups, and cake for dessert. Guests mingled, shared stories, and celebrated Pawlus, the two-year administrative assistant with Belvedere.

Last year’s recipient, LaVelva Burks, assistant director of nursing, attended the celebration and remembered the emotion that came with her own win.

“It was surprising and overwhelming how the residents really appreciate me and how they thought of me. When you’re in contact with them day-to-day, you never know what they think. It just made me really happy that they thought so much of me. It’s a great honor for them to come together and say ‘You’re a shining star,’” Burks said.

Another past winner, Cassandra Ford, 2023 recipient and move-in coordinator, agreed with Burks about the importance of the award. She shared how meaningful the recognition was to her in fully realizing the impact she makes on residents.

“I was a little emotional because I was not aware that a lot of the residents felt the way they did about me. I was very appreciative, and it meant a lot, because a lot of hard work went into that nomination. I just do what I do without thinking about it or expecting praise,” Ford said.

Similar to those before her, Pawlus was completely surprised. She was working so diligently that she actually arrived a few minutes late to her own celebration.

When her name was announced, she was emotional and grateful. After having a very difficult couple of months, it meant the world to her to know that she is making a difference.

“It means a lot to be recognized for my work. I recently lost my husband and coming here, the residents have been awesome and taking care of me, checking on me. Laughing with my co-workers — they really got me through these past few months. It’s really appreciated. Working with everyone here and coming in laughing with the residents has been amazing. They constantly make me laugh all day, every day. That has made these past few months bearable. They’re just awesome,” Pawlus said.

All of the residents in attendance cheered and lined up to give her hugs and to congratulate her for her well-deserved win. She shared how much the support around her mattered.

“In spite of what I’ve been through the past few months, I showed up and I did my job without letting it affect me and the residents. The residents are always checking on me to make sure I’m okay and see if I need anything. I feel honored that they recognize me this way,” she said.

For more information on Belvedere Senior Housing, visit its Facebook page.