Alaina Rowe, a senior from Pavilion Central School and last year’s Student of the Year at Early College High School, has consistently stood out as a model of perseverance, dedication, and ambition. Her journey began in eighth grade when she enrolled in Early College High School, a program that initially followed a half-day model, focusing on personalized attention and project-based learning. This unique approach appealed to Alaina, who valued the opportunity for hands-on experiences and individualized guidance. As the program evolved to a full-day model, Alaina remained committed, determined to finish what she had started and to take advantage of every opportunity the program offered.
Her dedication to academics shines through her achievements. Despite the increased demands of the full-day schedule, Alaina has maintained her place on the President’s or Dean’s List at Genesee Community College, where she is working toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Entrepreneurship. By the time she graduates from high school, she will have completed 20 college courses, an accomplishment that sets her apart and positions her well for her next academic step. Alaina plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree, likely at Alfred State, with a focus on sonography. Her ultimate goal is to blend her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for healthcare by opening her own sonography business.
Alaina’s interest in entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in her experiences at Early College High School, where she has engaged in project-based learning that has equipped her with practical skills in financial management, problem-solving, and creative thinking. One of her favorite projects involved designing a phone case with an embedded tracker—a solution inspired by her frequent habit of misplacing her phone. “The project taught me how to think outside the box and find solutions to real-life problems,” she reflects. For Alaina, problem-solving has become a core skill, one she believes will serve her well in any business endeavor. “In business, things don’t always go as planned, and being prepared for that is half the battle,” she explains.
Beyond academics, Alaina is a star athlete on her travel and school softball teams. Managing her time to balance school, sports, and work is no small feat, yet Alaina has developed a meticulous system to keep her on track: a planner where she organizes her day, crossing off tasks as she completes them. Her parents, who instilled in her the importance of resilience and dedication, serve as her greatest role models, inspiring her to push herself in all areas of life. “They’ve always encouraged me to work hard and aim high,” she says, adding that they are a constant source of support and motivation.
Winning Student of the Year at Early College High School was a particularly meaningful milestone for Alaina. It was a testament to her hard work and commitment, and the recognition left her with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. “It felt amazing to see my hard work pay off,” she recalls, sharing that her family was equally proud of her achievement.
Alaina’s advice to her peers is both practical and encouraging: “Don’t give up; keep pushing through. Balancing high school and college can be tough, but if you manage your time well, you’ll be okay and really happy with the results.” Her journey illustrates the power of dedication, resilience, and a well-balanced approach to life. Alaina Rowe’s story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, the most ambitious goals are within reach.