Nomination Statement
Elizabeth Cebula, daughter of Stanley and Susana Cebula of Middletown, ranks in the top one percent of her graduating class, exemplifying academic excellence and principled leadership. Throughout high school, she has demonstrated sustained commitment to scholarship, advocacy, and institutional reform. As founder of HerGoal DE, Elizabeth worked directly with the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association to address systemic inequities in girls’ athletics. She further developed her legal acumen through experience with the Delaware Department of Justice and mentorship under former Attorney General Charles Oberly. Elizabeth will attend the University of Chicago to study law, letters, and society.
“Growing up, I was repeatedly told to ‘Be a goldfish.’ If you are unaware of this phrase, a goldfish has a 10-second memory. While this memory seems like a weakness, it is truly this fish’s biggest strength. Their lack of memory results in strong perseverance. I have found that being a goldfish is ignoring the voice of doubt and pushing through. By repeating this phrase, I have used perseverance to my advantage, trying over and over until I am successful.”
