Boys Town Louisiana to Host 2026 Spirit of Youth Awards

The event will celebrate community champions and the youth impacted by Boys Town's programs.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Boys Town Louisiana is hosting its annual Spirit of Youth Gala on March 20, 2026 at The Arbor Room at Popp Fountain in New Orleans City Park. The event will honor two 2026 Spirit of Youth Honorees - Winston Rhea, a nonprofit supporting youth transitioning out of foster care, and Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Childres's, for their dedication to improving the lives of children in Louisiana. The evening will also celebrate the youth in Boys Town Louisiana's residential programs and highlight their growth and accomplishments.

Why it matters

The Spirit of Youth Awards Gala is an important annual event for Boys Town Louisiana, a nonprofit that provides life-changing care and services to children and families across the state. The event helps raise awareness and support for Boys Town's mission to create brighter futures for young people.

The details

The Spirit of Youth Awards Gala will feature dinner, live music, craft cocktails, mocktails and program highlights showcasing the impact of Boy Town Louisiana's work. In 2025, Boys Town Louisiana served over 1,250 children and families through services including in-home family support, behavioral health services and residential care for children connected to the Louisiana child welfare system.

  • The Spirit of Youth Gala will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026.
  • In 2025, Boys Town Louisiana served over 1,250 children and families.

The players

Winston Rhea

A nonprofit that provides support for youth transitioning out of foster care through grants, community and scholarship. The organization will be recognized for their excellence and community leadership.

Lucio A. Fragoso

President and CEO of Manning Family Childres's, who will receive the individual Spirit of Youth Award for his longtime dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of children throughout Louisiana.

Rashain Carriere-Williams

Executive director of Boys Town Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“As we look ahead to this year's Spirit of Youth Awards Gala, we are excited to gather our community around a shared commitment to supporting children and families. This event is both a celebration and a reminder than when a community comes together, we can create meaningful opportunities and brighter futures for youth people. Winston Rhea and Lou Fragoso exemplify what it means to invest in youth and help open doors for success.”

— Rashain Carriere-Williams, Executive director of Boys Town Louisiana (myneworleans.com)

The takeaway

The Spirit of Youth Awards Gala is an important annual event that celebrates the work of Boys Town Louisiana in supporting children and families across the state, and recognizes community champions who are dedicated to improving the lives of young people.