“Tonight, we get to celebrate several community members who truly reflect the Boys & Girls Clubs mission and are passionate about the future of our community’s youth,” said Joe Pratt, executive director and CEO. “This is one of my favorite events, a celebration of our community, our partners and the people who make it all happen. We present these awards with heartfelt gratitude, recognizing the hard work and dedication behind each one.”

Approximately 50 youth, ages 6-13, including members from both the Boys & Girls Clubs Kids Clubhouse Childcare and the Teen Center filled out the “campaign activity sheets.” “This election season has been intense and filled with negativity. We wanted to shed some brightness to this time of year with optimism and hope from the voices of our youth in our community,” said Joe Pratt executive di­rector. Salve Regina interns worked in small groups to help the kids fill out the forms and to articulate what they wanted to accomplish if they were to be President of the United States. Salve intern Sydney Whitfield, said, “It was inspiring to see how creative and thoughtful they were with each answer. Their ideas truly reflected the vibrant spirit and enthusiasm of the Boys & Girls Clubs community!”

A few days before The Newport Show opened, the Newport Historical Society shared a video of the ice rink at St. George’s School being transformed into a glamorous backdrop for 38 of the finest antique dealers from across the country. The New­port Show is a unique opportunity for the public to devote a weekend to discovering treasures from the past, but is also a vital fundraiser for two organizations dedicated to enriching our community, the Newport Historical Society and Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. And, really, what’s better than shop­ping when two amazing local causes benefit?

Gov. Dan McKee announced on July 16 that the state will be al­lotting an additional $4.6 million in federal grants to Newport and Middletown to renovate the Flor­ence Gray Center.

Gionna Michel describes herself as soulful and as a leader, but one who isn’t bossy. “I can take in what everyone wants and make a plan everyone is comfortable with,” said the 16-year-old, who is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County’s 2024 Youth of the Year. Although she did not win the state title she says it was a great experience participating in the organization’s Youth of the Year competition. She described it as an opportunity to meet other people more than a contest.

After achieving more than $12 million of their $15 million fundraising goal for renovations, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County broke ground on July 9. These renovations are set to add about 8,000 square feet to the facility, renovate existing spaces, and update utilities. Joe Pratt, executive director and CEO of the Clubs, said that the renovations are “all about the kids. All about preparing them for success.” Pictured (left to right): Garrett Behan, Tish Behan, Mike Behan, Joe Pratt, and Jeremy Couto.

Mega yachts regularly populate the docks along Newport Harbor. On June 22, eight opened their gangplanks to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of New­port County, an organization that has been building great futures for Newport youth for nearly seven decades.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is undertaking a significant overhaul of its facility at the historic Thayer School building on Church Street in Newport.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of New­port County has selected Rogers High School junior Gionna Michel as the Club’s Youth of the Year, a nationwide initiative recognizing an outstanding member.

Today’s kids are dealing with complicated issues…. here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, we give young people a safe place to enjoy the simple things and just be kids!