Adequoyah Kamali Josephine Mathews, a high school junior from Newport, has been named the 2025 Rhode Island Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. This is the highest honor a club member can receive at the state level.
Mathews is now set to represent Rhode Island in the Northeast Regional Youth of the Year competition. Her involvement with the club includes participating in programs focused on youth voice, diversity, and leadership. She’s also active in community advocacy, working with groups like Conexion Latina and Youth in Action to promote racial equity and youth representation.
“One message that the Club taught me that I would like to leave with you all is that change begins with you,” said Adequoyah during her Youth of the Year speech. “Don’t wait for someone else to lead—be the leader you’re waiting for. Every word, every action, and every choice you make creates ripples of impact. Your voice is stronger than you think, and it has the power to transform the world around you. Now is the time to step up, to speak out, and to lead with conviction. Be the change. Be the voice. Be the difference.”
Marlin DaCruz, Director of Teens and Music at the Newport County club, praised Mathews’ approach to youth advocacy. “She stands firm in her beliefs and has the unique ability to inspire others to see beyond themselves,” DaCruz said.
Looking ahead, Mathews aims to enroll in Brown and Rhode Island School of Design’s dual program, majoring in Political Science. She’s already secured scholarships from both the local club and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her college education.
As Rhode Island’s Youth of the Year, Mathews will attend various events as a Boys & Girls Club ambassador, sometimes speaking on behalf of the organization.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County has been serving the community for over 69 years, providing programs and services to more than 2,000 young people annually. It’s part of a national network of over 5,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.
Chairman Marvin Abney Honored
House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin L. Abney has been honored by the Rhode Island Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs with its Champion of Youth award for leadership and steadfast commitment to Rhode Island’s young people.
The award was presented on behalf of the alliance by Adequoyah Mathews, the 2025 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, at a State House event on May 20.
“As a proud alumnus of the Boys & Girls Club, I am tremendously honored by this thoughtful recognition from an organization that led me to where I am today. I learned so much at the Boys & Girls Club, and it helped me find out who I really was and how to forge my own path in life. It’s a privilege to support their efforts and I am grateful that the Boys & Girls Club is teaching the next generation of leaders, like Adequoyah, how to leave their mark and make the world a better place,” said Chairman Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown).
