The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is proud to announce that Adequoyah Kamali Josephine Mathews, a high school junior, has been named the 2025 Rhode Island Youth of the Year. This prestigious honor is the highest accolade a member can achieve at the state level. Adequoyah, a new member of the Club, now advances to the Northeast Regional Youth of the Year competition, representing both Newport and the entire state of Rhode Island.
Adequoyah’s story is one of resilience and leadership. With deep Liberian and German heritage, her name carries a legacy of royalty and identity, symbolizing strength and pride. Throughout her time at the Boys & Girls Club, she has become an advocate for youth voices, diversity, and leadership. Her efforts focus on promoting racial equity, ethnic studies, and youth representation.
Raised in a predominantly white rural community, Adequoyah faced the challenges of being one of the only Black students. However, she has turned these experiences into a platform for social change. From demanding respect and inclusion at her school to challenging systemic barriers, she has used her voice to inspire others and fight against racism and microaggressions.
Looking ahead, Adequoyah aspires to enroll in the prestigious dual enrollment program at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, where she plans to major in Political Science. She intends to combine her passion for education and artistry to create lasting change. She has already secured scholarships from both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her college education.
“We are super proud of Adequoyah,” said Marlin DaCruz, Director of Teens and Music at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. “Her advocacy and leadership are exactly what this world needs. She inspires others to see beyond themselves, and we’re excited to support her as she heads to Regionals.”
As Adequoyah prepares for the Regional competition in New York City, she continues to be a beacon of hope and change for her peers, proving that one voice can truly make a difference.
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