A Night to Remember
The sun shone brightly as our team worked tirelessly behind the scenes, preparing for an extraordinary evening to celebrate the brilliance and achievements of our rangatahi. Held in the heart of our community at the Ōpōtiki College Hall, the Rising Stars Youth Awards made a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus and what a return it was!
Honouring Our Rangatahi
Established in 2005, the Rising Stars Youth Awards are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements, leadership, and success of rangatahi aged 12 to 24 from Ōpōtiki, the place we all call home.
This remarkable event, hosted by Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust, serves as a powerful platform to showcase the immense talent rooted in the heart of Ōpōtiki. More than just an awards ceremony, Rising Stars is a compelling initiative born from the community’s desire to celebrate our rangatahi in a positive light, giving them the opportunity to shine and take pride in their accomplishments.
The Rising Stars Youth Awards emerged as a response to a crucial need: to highlight the positive contributions of young people within the community. Ōpōtiki is blessed with gifted individuals and groups, and acknowledging their talents inspires our youth to strive for greatness. It also allows us to witness firsthand the emergence of future leaders, innovators, and change-makers in our midst.
The Evening Unfolds
From the moment the doors opened at 5:30 PM, the hall was abuzz with excitement. Whānau, friends, and supporters from Ngāi Tai, Te Whakatōhea, and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui came together in kotahitanga to honour the incredible achievements of our young people.
Highlights of the evening included:
Inspirational Speeches: Our keynote speakers delivered heartfelt messages of encouragement, celebrating the resilience and strength of our rangatahi.
Cultural Performances: The stage came alive with vibrant waiata, weaving together the beauty of our whakapapa with the wairua of our rangatahi.
Diverse Award Categories: From academic excellence to sports, arts, and community service, each recipient represented a story of perseverance and success.
A Community Effort
This event was made possible by the support of our community, the dedication of the organizing team, and the generosity of our sponsors ACORN Foundation and Community Action Youth and Drugs. Together, we created an evening that not only celebrated our rangatahi but also reinforced the values that bind us as one.
As we reflect on the success of the Rising Stars Youth Awards, we are filled with pride and gratitude. It’s a reminder that our young people are our greatest tāonga, and their achievements today are shaping the future of Ōpōtiki and beyond.
Here’s to another year of celebrating our Rising Stars and empowering the next generation to reach for greatness.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa!
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