We are SO thrilled to share that Ellsworth alum Elizabeth Ford - our 2023 EHS Valedictorian - has been named a 2026 Truman Scholar! Elizabeth is one of only 55 students selected nationwide for this premier graduate scholarship, which recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential and a deep commitment to public service. Elizabeth was one of over 780 candidates who applied for the scholarship.
Currently a junior at Brandeis University, Elizabeth is double-majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies - and showing that same dedication and work ethic she did as an Eagle. Her studies have focused heavily on the intersection of public health and rural community needs.
During her time at Brandeis, Elizabeth has stood out for both her research and program coordination. Back home, she spent time interning with the nonprofit Healthy Acadia, and her work helped to support the queer community right here in Downeast Maine.
"This is what community engagement and public service mean to me: leveraging the skills you have to the benefit of your community, addressing their issues and concerns, not mine," Elizabeth says in a story from Brandeis.
Elizabeth’s goal in her graduate studies is to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in rural public health. She plans to dedicate her career to building a healthcare system that eliminates financial and geographic barriers for rural communities, ensuring that quality care is accessible regardless of where a person lives.
Even beyond her work in the classroom, Elizabeth has remained a leader on campus - especially in the musical realm, much like she was here at EHS. Elizabeth is a leader of the Brandeis "MAD Band," where she founded an instrument lending program to make music more accessible to her peers. She also helped create Bandapalooza, an instrumental music festival created as a space for smaller musicians to perform!
This year, the Foundation reviewed 781 candidates from 305 institutions, before dwindling that selection to just 55 scholarship winners – including our Elizabeth! As a Truman Scholar, Elizabeth will receive up to $30,000 for graduate study, along with priority admission at premier graduate institutions, leadership training, and special internship opportunities within the federal government.
From her time at Ellsworth, we remember Elizabeth as a leader in and out of the classroom who never hesitated to get involved. She was an active member of the VPA department, participating heavily in the music department while also volunteering as a pit member for our fall musicals and as a crew member for our one-act plays! Seeing her take these talents and the core values she portrayed into the national spotlight is a point of immense pride for our entire community!
Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth on this prestigious honor and wishing her the very best as she continues her journey in public service!