Our 2026 “Celeste Prather ‘Guard Dog’ Award” winner is diana richards
(Pictured: CASA for Hunt County Executive Director Lori Cope (left) presents CASA Volunteer Diana Richards with the “Celeste Prather Guard Dog Award” at the 2026 CASA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Pictured is the founder of CASA for Hunt County, Celeste Prather (right).
To advocate: it means to publicly support or suggest an idea, develop avenues for justice, initiate change.
People advocate for others for various reasons.
As a CASA, it is to ensure that children’s voices are heard, that children are protected, and that children’s views are genuinely considered in decisions that are being made for them.
When the recipient of this award was asked, back in November 2017, why she wanted to be a CASA, she said: Being a CASA will give me a way to help children … Help that wasn’t provided her as a child who had been abused.
When you get to know this CASA, it’s easy to see that she is a steadfast fighter for children. She’s a solid rock within this turbulent river that’s known as a child welfare system.
Her abundance of work for the children never waivers. This CASA is smart, resourceful, highly-impactful and loving.
From this CASA’s actions, it’s evident that she believes Love remains the greatest commandment. She believes that love never fails, and she ensures the children she serves know they are loved.
In her eight years as a CASA Volunteer, she has advocated for 21 children involved in 16 cases. She is currently serving on four cases involving two 8-year-olds, a 2-year-old, a 1-year-old, and a 17-year-old. From the babies to the teens, she works with a servant’s heart to advocate for each child’s unique needs and best interests.
Alongside her in several of these cases has been her co-CASA, her partner in life, who is a genuinely good man who also works to help children in their most difficult time in life.
As we are about to present this year’s top award, let us remember:
A guard dog’s first priority is to hold their ground in a time of disturbance. A guard dog stands firm. They do not retreat. Guard dogs protect those they love.
In great honor, the 2026 “Celeste Prather Guard Dog Award” is presented to a powerful and passionate advocate: Diana Richards.