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Rowley Leading by Example and Following Her Heart

Mar 25, 2026

Madison Rowley, a freshman at FDR High School is making a huge impact in her school, community and church. Quietly leading by example, she is involved in an assortment of clubs, committees, roles, and volunteer venues. Recently named a 2026 Youth Black Achiever Award honoree through Beulah Baptist Church, a place of community and love she calls family and has been a lifelong member of, Rowley aspires to help connect people spiritually, continue to be her authentic self while uplifting all she encounters in any way possible and inspire other youth to do the same.

By Jennifer L. Warren

STAATSBURG – When Madison Rowley was informed she was being honored with the prestigious 2026 Youth Black Achiever’s Award, she was flooded with intense feelings of utter surprise and confusion.

“In my mind, I was just doing the things that I am supposed to do- be a good student, be kind, make a difference and help others,” reflected Rowley about the esteemed recognition that included six other accomplished people-all substantially older-from Poughkeepsie’s Beulah Baptist Church, where Rowley has been attending all 15 years of her life.

“Everything I do is for the goodness and never about getting anything back for it.”
For the Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School Freshman, that strong sense of identity and purpose was carved out at a young age, fueled by a loving foundation provided by her parents-mother Sade and father Jeremy-along with her grandmother, “nana,” who instilled in her an unwavering love for God as well as unifying and uplifting beauty of the church community, one she is quick to cite as “family,” where love flourishes.

Madison Rowley, a freshman at FDR High School is making a huge impact in her school, community and church.

“I have been going to Beulah Baptist Church since I was in my mom’s stomach and where I was christened at,” said Rowley. “My parents always made sure I was rooted in religion, especially in these very challenging times we face; it’s a place that gives me balance and peace, as I have total faith in and leave all things up to God; I’m nothing without him.”

That deep commitment to her church family has resulted in Rowley not just being a long-time member, but taking on a host of active roles, ranging from; Junior Deaconess , Youth Mass Choir member, as well as being a part of the Young Adult Dance Ministry (Praise Dance.) Seeing first-hand the profound impact religion can have on one’s sense of belonging, confidence, purpose and direction, Rowley aspires to quietly-simply through being her authentic self-show others the treasures that can be mined through an unconditional belief in something bigger than one’s self.

“I want everyone to be able to connect on a more spiritual level,” said Rowley, reflecting upon the role of Church in her life.

In addition to the pivotal role church has had in shaping her life, Rowley is also deeply invested in her school and education. With several honors classes on her challenging schedule as well as a long-time honor roll status, Rowley’s contributions and achievements transcend academics. A member of several organizations, including her role as a PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) representative, she also has lent her altruistic talents to volunteering, something deeply tied to her heart and is super excited to extend to the “outside world,” through the Sigma Gamma Rhoer Club, where she was inducted on March 1.

“It’s all about building a sisterhood, helping us as young women navigate our lives and build a strong community, explained Rowley about the Club for girls ages 14-18, adding that one of their volunteer venues will be feeding the homeless. “This will be pretty much the first time I will be volunteering outside of my school; it’s something that is so important, and I have seen my parents and nana do so often over the years, bringing so much joy to the lives they touch.”

Not only intent on making the journeys of those she encounters better, Rowley is also focused on becoming the best version of herself, putting the pieces in place for a successful future. Selected to be a member of a post -high school- life preparatory program for first generation college students, AVID(Advancement Via Individual Determination), in the fifth grade, Rowley has been avidly researching her collegiate plans, involving a HBCU’s (historically black colleges and universities) as well as “definite” sorority (“new sisterhood”) membership, developing organization and leadership skills as well as contemplating her future since her involvement in the group as a sixth grader. For Rowley, nothing she does is deemed a sacrifice, as each moment of her life’s evolution-aimed at uplifting herself and others-simply feels natural, right.

“My grandmother and parents taught me to stay involved and applaud me a lot for doing what I do,” said Rowley. “I know they have faced tough times-fighting silent battles as well, as open ones as we all do- and that pushes me to want to make them proud; they are so amazing, I want to be like all three of them combined.”

Blessed with the incredible motivation and barometer her family has fueled her with, Rowley’s determination fire lies within as well.

“Everything I do is because I want to, not because I have to” said Rowley. “I want to be different, authentically myself, and giving back is what I truly love; it’s me.” Added Rowley, who prioritizes truly knowing who she is and surrounding herself with people true to themselves.“I have never cared about what others think of me; I just want to be an example.”