After being diagnosed with a rare ligament disorder his freshman year of high school, Rowe Gillis could hardly eat. Standing 6 feet tall, Gillis’ weight dropped from 170 pounds to just 111 in a single year.
The disorder, called Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, or MALS, occurs when a ligament compresses the artery supplying blood to the stomach and digestive organs. The condition, which affects just one in 50,000 people, causes severe pain, nausea, weight loss and malnutrition.
After months of tests, Gillis underwent a life-saving surgery in 2023 in Washington, D.C. The recovery took nearly two years, but as he stepped forward Thursday afternoon to accept the Exchange Club of Columbus’ Accepting the Challenge of Excellence of the Year Award, Gillis was in the pink.
“It taught me patience, resilience and gratitude for things I once took for granted,” Gillis wrote about his experience in his application essay for the award. “Overcoming MALS is something I am deeply proud of, not just because I survived it, but because it shaped my character and taught me to move forward with strength, empathy and kindness.”
Gillis, now a senior at New Hope High School, was honored as the overall winner of the A.C.E. award at the Exchange Club of Columbus’ annual Youth and A.C.E. Awards Luncheon. The award recognizes local high school students who have faced and overcome adversities with excellence.
“I’m more than thankful,” he told The Dispatch after receiving the award. “I’m just very blessed. … I didn’t expect this at all. … It’s a special, special opportunity.”
Gillis’ parents, Celeste and Lee Gillis, said they were “overwhelmed” by the recognition for their son.
“Every day, just seeing him as healthy as he looks right now, that’s enough,” Celeste Gillis told The Dispatch. “This is just icing on the cake. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Since recovering from his illness, Gillis said he hopes to support others facing “unseen challenges,” particularly those living with chronic or serious health conditions.
“I believe meaningful change often begins with small, consistent actions, by showing up, helping when needed and remaining committed to personal growth,” Gillis wrote. “I hope to contribute to a future built in kindness, purpose and resilience.
Gillis plans to attend Mississippi State University in the fall as a business major.
Youth of the Year
Rebecca Sun, a senior at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, was also recognized during the luncheon as the overall winner of the Youth of the Year Award, which honors students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service.
Growing up in rural Yazoo City, Sun said she never thought she would achieve much. But years later, during the bus ride home from her first speech and debate competition, holding the first medal she had ever won, she began to see herself differently.
“I remember holding the medal close to my chest that night,” Sun wrote in her essay. “The small, cold piece of metal represented my ability to overcome limitations, my courage to try new things, my dedication to both personal and community growth and the breaking through the imaginary barriers I once thought existed between me and my dreams.”
Since enrolling at MSMS as a junior, Sun has served as junior class vice president, a cabinet member and secretary for the Student Senate and vice president of the Asian Student Association.
Despite her accomplishments, Sun said community service remains the most meaningful part of her work, specifically her experiences volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, organizing events for Operation Christmas Child and helping build beds for children in need.
“I’m really excited,” Sun told The Dispatch about the award. “I wasn’t expecting it. … I feel really fortunate. … I really think the community around me helped me with this.”
Looking ahead, Sun said she hopes to become a “source of comfort and dependability for others.” She plans to become an accountant, though she declined to say which schools she applied for while she awaits for decisions to be announced later this month.
Eleven other local students were also honored as award winners at the event.
A.C.E. Award winners included Ashia Williams of Caledonia High School, NiJayhia Capron of Columbus High School, Sophie Milam of Heritage Academy, Madison Montgomery of MSMS and Alex Perrigin of Victory Christian Academy.
Youth of the Year Award recipients included Cohen Clark of Caledonia High School, T’Amber Lavender of Columbus High School, Chloe Boykin of Heritage Academy, Aubri Stacy of New Hope High School, Danika King of Victory Christian Academy and Kaeli Stallings of West Lowndes High School.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 26 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
