Press Statement  Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth Announces 2025 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award Recipients

Boston — Today, during its FY 2026 Annual Recommendations Release Ceremony at Boston City Hall, the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Student Leadership Award. These five exceptional high school students have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and a deep commitment to creating more inclusive, affirming school communities for LGBTQ+ youth across the Commonwealth.

Now in its third year, the award honors Jeff Perrotti, founding director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students. Jeff’s decades of service helped establish Massachusetts as a national leader in LGBTQ+ youth support within education.

Each recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship to support their continued education at an accredited institution.

This year’s honorees are:

Jevon Williams, Boston Latin Academy
“Jevon is an unrelenting and vocal advocate and leader for LGBTQ+ students in the BLA community and beyond. Jevon has used his platform to build awareness, community, and advocacy in many spaces and continues to show that the future is in bright and caring hands.”
— Gavin Smith, Principal, Boston Latin Academy

Isabella Guerreiro, Quincy High School
“Isabella is a dedicated leader and advocate whose impact reaches across QHS and the broader community. Through her involvement in clubs like Student Council, STEM Sparks, QHS Ambassadors, DECA, Poetry Club, Math Club, and more, she exemplifies a deep commitment to service, inclusion, and equity. Whether tutoring, translating, guiding new students, or leading by example in the classroom, Isabella ensures every student feels seen and supported.”
— Keith Ford, Principal, Quincy High School

Alexander Scanlon, Greater Lawrence Technical School
"Alex has been a driving force within our school community, particularly through his exceptional leadership of our Gender and Sexuality Alliance. His unwavering commitment to advocacy and his ability to inspire and organize have made a profound impact on our students and staff, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone."
— Chet Jackson, Principal, Greater Lawrence Technical School

Rowyn Haynes, Boston Latin School
“Rowyn has been an unwavering voice for justice and inclusion throughout their high school career. Their leadership extends far beyond our school walls. In a particularly powerful act of advocacy, Rowyn testified before the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education about their experiences as a queer student, speaking truth to power with clarity, vulnerability, and strength. Their testimony not only reflected personal resilience but also called for systemic change to support LGBTQ+ students more equitably across the Commonwealth. In school, Rowyn is an artist, actor, and the director of our school musical. Their ability to balance deep compassion with levity makes them a grounding presence in our school community—a source of both inspiration and joy.”
— Danielle Murray, Assistant Head of School, Boston Latin School

Grace Kim, Mansfield High School
“Grace is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and student voice at Mansfield High School. Their leadership across numerous clubs and their unwavering commitment to standing up for others has helped foster a school environment where all students feel respected, supported, valued, and cared for. Grace has been instrumental in driving positive change in our community, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
— Russ Booth, Principal, Mansfield High School

"Our scholars embody courage, compassion, and a commitment to equity for LGBTQ individuals. This year’s scholarship recipients have dedicated themselves to uplifting the most marginalized voices within the LGBTQ community, transforming inclusivity from a mere buzzword into a fundamental way of life. I take great pride in having witnessed their growth over the years. I truly believe that our future is secure in their hands," said Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth.

“Across Massachusetts, LGBTQ+ students are creating change in ways both big and small. We are proud to uplift their work and affirm the role that youth voice plays in making our schools safer and more inclusive,” added Jason P. Wheeler, Director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students.

The Commission congratulates the 2025 recipients and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of their leadership in the years to come.

Learn more about the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth and its ongoing work.