City resident Rozaria Dos Santos, representing the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence, was recently chosen as both the Rhode Island state and Northeast region Youth of the Year.

Dos Santos, a 2024 East Providence High School graduate, was selected as the latter from 11 finalists and received a $20,000 college scholarship at the regional event held in New York.

Locally, she earned State Youth of the Year Award during an event held in early May at the Northern Rhode Island Boys & Girls Clubhouse in Woonsocket.
Dos Santos was among a group of six young women and men recognized at the gathering.

The youth award, in general, is given to someone that is a "true ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club mission, exemplifies outstanding commitment to leadership, service, academic excellence and a dedication to living a healthy lifestyle."

In September, Dos Santos will travel to Atlanta as the regional representative to compete for the National Youth of the Year award, the winner of which receives a $50,000 scholarship and the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

All together, Dos Santos has already received three scholarships totaling upwards of $34,800.

As the state's youth award winner she got a $2,000 award. Dos Santos also earned a separate grant called the SPARKLE (Students Pursuing Academic Rewards, Knowledge, Love & Empowerment) Scholarship, $3,200 per year and renewable each year for four years up to a total of approximately $12,800.

It is administered by Boys & Girls Club of America and is designed to assist a student's undergraduate experience by having monthly spending money to be used for “extras” that you may desire: clothes, food, and entertainment, the "fun stuff."

Dos Santos is headed to the University of Rhode Island in the next few days where she plans to begin studies in Pre-Med.

"We are absolutely thrilled for Rozaria and excited for her to compete for an additional $50,000 scholarship at the National competition next month," said Erin Gilliatt, Executive Director at the Boys & Girls Club of EP.

As for her involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence, it began when she entered high school. A first-generation US citizen, she faced the challenges of doubt and the quest for belonging. The club became her sanctuary, a place of acceptance and community where her voice was valued.

Dos Santos credited two club officials as being key supporters: Damian Ramos, who runs the basketball league and teen programs, and Gilliatt.

Ramos recognized Dos Santos' leadership potential and encouraged her to run for president of the Club’s Keystone youth development program, a role she has proudly held since 2021. In 2023, he facilitated her participation in the Summit for America’s Youth in Washington D.C., where she met Gilliatt.

“Without these two amazing mentors, I wouldn't have had these opportunities to grow into the leader I am today,” Dos Santos said.

Dos Santos' Cape Verdean-American heritage has also been a significance influence in her growth. She founded the Black Student Union at EPHS as a freshman, creating a safe space for bi-POC/POC students and advocating for better teacher-student connections.

She also joined the Boys & Girls Club’s Keystone Think, Learn, and Create Change advocacy program, empowering young people to advocate for community change. In addition, she created a student-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training program.

“As I continue to navigate my journey towards adulthood, I remain committed to advocating for change and acceptance, both for myself and others,” Dos Santos said.

Academically, Dos Santos was a perennial member of the honor roll throughout her time in the district, including her four years at EPHS. This past spring, Dos Santos was among the EPHS Career and Tech Center students to be recognized at the annual state SkillsUSA competition. She received a Gold Medal in the Career Pathways Showcase for Health.

In addition to her scholastic accolades, Dos Santos has participated on the EPHS competitive cheerleading squad. She was a co-captain for the Townies during the 2023-24 season when they finished second in the Division I portion of the 2024 Rhode Island Interscholastic League championship meet.