May 2026
Rising Together: Reliving CASA’s 2026 Rising Tides Youth Awards
A night of celebration, community, laughter, and unforgettable moments honoring the incredible youth who continue to inspire us every day.
From surprise awards and standing ovations to dirty sodas, trivia prizes, photo booth fun, and heartfelt community support, CASA’s 2026 Rising Tides Youth Awards was a night to remember. Whether you joined us in person or missed the celebration, here’s a look back at the joy, connection, and powerful moments that made this year’s event so special.
Rising Together as a Community:
This year’s Rising Tides theme beautifully reflected the spirit of the evening: when one young person succeeds, our entire community rises with them.
The room was overflowing with energy, laughter, and support from families, friends, mentors, community leaders, and youth who all came together to uplift and celebrate the next generation. Every applause, cheer, and standing ovation reminded our nominees and winners that they are deeply valued and supported by both their peers and the community around them.
The support in the room was undeniable.
A Night Filled with Fun & Celebration:
The Rising Tides Youth Awards was not only inspiring — it was also full of fun, connection, and unforgettable experiences.
Guests enjoyed:
A snack station filled with treats throughout the evening
A crowd-favorite dirty soda station with customizable drinks
A cozy cappuccino station for coffee lovers
A colorful candy station that guests of all ages loved
An interactive photo booth complete with fun props and accessories
Trivia rounds throughout the night, where winners received movie prizes
Every corner of the venue gave guests an opportunity to laugh, connect, celebrate, and make memories together.
And of course, there were countless photo opportunities throughout the evening — from friend groups and families to nominees, staff, volunteers, and community leaders capturing moments they’ll remember for years to come.
Celebrating This Year’s Honorees:
At the heart of the evening were our nominees and award recipients — young people who continue to inspire us through their dedication, compassion, leadership, and perseverance.
Each story shared throughout the night reflected the strength and potential within our community. Whether through academics, volunteering, advocacy, personal growth, or acts of kindness, this year’s honorees reminded us that leadership takes many forms.
One of the most touching parts of the night was witnessing how supported every nominee and winner was by their peers, loved ones, and community members. The encouragement and pride shown throughout the room made the celebration even more meaningful.
Powerful Moments from the Evening:
The night also included several heartfelt and unexpected moments that made the celebration even more special.
Important members of the community came together to support CASA by price matching donations, helping amplify the impact of generosity and community giving.
Guests were also surprised with a special award presentation honoring a valued CASA board member for their dedication, leadership, and continued support of the organization.
Additionally, our Executive Director was presented with a meaningful recognition from the office of Elizabeth Warren, a moment that filled the room with pride and gratitude for the work CASA continues to do within the community.
These moments served as powerful reminders of the deep connections and support systems that continue to strengthen CASA’s mission.
Thank You for Helping Us Rise:
Events like the Rising Tides Youth Awards are only possible because of the incredible people who work behind the scenes. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, board members, sponsors, donors, and community partners who helped make this celebration so meaningful.
Most importantly, thank you to our youth. Your courage, brilliance, and determination continue to inspire us every single day.
Until Next Year… 🌊
If you attended this year’s Youth Awards, we hope the memories stay with you long after the night ended. And if you missed it, we hope this gave you a glimpse into the joy, love, and community that filled the room.
The Rising Tides Youth Awards reminded us that none of us rise alone — we rise together.💙