By the Gamma Iota Boulé Foundation
Laila Rowe, a graduating senior from Churchville-Chili High School, will be recognized as the Youth Triumph Laureate by the Gamma Iota Boulé Foundation (GIB Foundation) at its Tenth Annual Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Marking a significant milestone, the 10th Anniversary Celebration will highlight the Foundation’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life across the Greater Rochester community through education, leadership development, economic empowerment, and healthy living initiatives. The ceremony will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Rochester and be preceded by a reception from 11 a.m. to noon.
Laila is being recognized for her academic achievement, leadership promise, and commitment to service, which exemplify the values of the Youth Triumph Award. This honor has been presented annually for each of the past 10 years, underscoring the GIB Foundation’s long-standing commitment to identifying and uplifting young leaders who demonstrate excellence and potential at an early stage.
Academically, Laila has distinguished herself with a 3.92 weighted GPA (3.84 unweighted) and has already been admitted to the University of Rochester, where she plans to pursue a pre-medical track. Her passion for science and medicine has been recognized through honors such as the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. She is also enrolled in the Monroe BOCES 2 New Visions Health Professions Program, a highly competitive program that provides immersive, real-world experience in healthcare settings. She has completed shadowing at Strong Memorial Hospital and currently works as a Nurse Assistant on a medical-surgical unit.
Beyond academics, Laila is deeply involved in school and extracurricular activities. She is a multi-sport varsity athlete, competing in golf, indoor and outdoor track and field, and pentathlon. Her dedication and leadership have earned her recognition, including Team MVP and Most Improved Player honors. In the arts, she is an accomplished clarinetist in both band and wind ensemble and serves as Band Council Secretary, reflecting her leadership and collaboration across disciplines.
Laila volunteers regularly at The Father’s House Kids’ Room, supporting programming for young children, and has contributed to events such as Girls on the Run 5K and local race initiatives. She has also taken on mentorship roles through Camp Stella Maris, where she actively supports younger campers in building confidence and a sense of belonging.
The ceremony will also honor the late Midge Thomas as the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Laureate, recognizing a legacy of leadership and service that reflects the Foundation’s mission and values. Mrs. Thomas was a beloved community leader, educator, philanthropist, and civil rights advocate who founded a nonprofit in her husband Freddie’s name and opened two community centers in Rochester.
In addition to recognizing individual achievement, the luncheon will spotlight the Foundation’s continued investment in future leaders through its scholarship program—an initiative that has supported deserving students in achieving academic success and unlocking new opportunities.
As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to serving as a catalyst for partnerships that drive sustainable, community-wide impact. The 10th Annual Recognition Ceremony will serve as both a reflection on past achievements and a forward-looking moment to deepen engagement and inclusion across Rochester’s civic, business, and nonprofit sectors. Tickets for the event are $100 and available to the public. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://gibfoundation.org/event/tenth-annual-recognition-ceremony/.
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