The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County has announced Adequoyah Mathews as the 2025 Youth of the Year, the organization’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community service. The event was held at the Community College of Rhode Island – Newport Campus, where Adequoyah stood out among a talented group of finalists: David, Sasha, and Jayla.
At just 17 years old, Adequoyah is a highly ambitious junior at The MET High School East Bay Campus. Though a newer member of the Boys & Girls Club, she has quickly distinguished herself as a fearless leader in the ABAR (Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist) program and a dynamic captain of the Ethics Team. With a passion for both education and artistry, she aspires to enroll in Brown University and RISD’s prestigious dual enrollment program, majoring in Political Science to drive meaningful social change.
Reflecting on her journey, Adequoyah shared, “Leadership is about inspiring others to rise, advocate for themselves, and challenge the status quo. A true leader empowers individuals to use their voices for transformation and growth. Let’s create spaces where everyone feels confident to make a lasting impact. Step up, speak out, and be the change.”
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of community leaders: T.R. McGrath, Angela Lima, and Margaret Sullivan-Carr, who evaluated candidates on leadership, service, academic excellence, and public speaking.
As Youth of the Year, Adequoyah will go on to represent BGC Newport at the Rhode Island state competition, where she will compete for scholarships and the opportunity to advance to regional and national levels.
The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County extends its heartfelt congratulations to Adequoyah and all the finalists for their dedication and achievements. This event highlights the incredible potential of young leaders in our community and reinforces the Club’s mission to empower youth to reach their full potential.
