Ambler, Hebda represent Elizabeth Forward
Madison Ambler is Elizabeth Forward's fall sports female selection in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar/Athlete Spotlight program.
Jacob Hebda is Elizabeth Forward's fall sports male selection in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar/Athlete Spotlight program.
Madison Ambler and Jacob Hebda are Elizabeth Forward’s fall sports selections in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar-Athlete Spotlight program, and their respective academic prowess is evident.
Not only do Ambler (4.5 GPA) and Hebda (over a 4.0 GPA) have solid work ethics, they both have an understanding of their respective academic futures.
“I plan on attending California University of Pennsylvania to study forensic science,” said Ambler, who lists anatomy as her favorite class and Mr. Champ as her favorite teacher.
While Hebda, who ran all four years of cross country in high school, has not chosen where he will attend yet, he is considering three options.
“While I am still undecided on a college, I would like to pursue a career either in business, law or dentistry,” said Hebda, who enjoys English class and chose Mr. Coll as his favorite teacher because he is always willing to help.
When asked what they would do if they served as President of the United States for one day, both Hebda and Ambler looked at an educational aspect.
“There are so many problems in the world right now,” Hebda started. “But I’d try to find a way to help students pay for college.”
Ambler, who started playing volleyball in seventh grade and is the daughter of Lynn and Mike Ambler of Elizabeth, shared her view.
“If I was president of the United States for one day, I would make sure more funding goes to public education,” she said.
Ambler can be found watching Despicable Me while texting and eating macaroni and cheese, was a standout volleyball player for EF and her most memorable sports moment happened this season.
“When we won the 2016 Elizabeth Forward Volleyball tournament,” she said before adding a second. “Clinching a playoff spot (as well).”
Hebda, who is the son of Joe and Amy Hebda of Elizabeth, was on the cross-country team and recently read Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman.
A noted ice cream enthusiast, notably birthday cake flavor, Hebda prefers text messaging to Twitter of Facebook as his most frequented form of communication.
What does Hebda look at as his most memorable moment in cross country?
“Setting the record at my home course at Round Hill,” he said.
Both student-athletes said that relatives have had the greatest influence on them as athletes.
“My sister has had the greatest influence on me because she led me to love the sport of volleyball,” said Ambler, who lists Michael Jordan as her favorite athlete because he was cut in high school but never gave up.
“My father is my greatest influence because I wouldn’t be running if he hadn’t encouraged me to start when I was in middle school,” said Hebda, who lists deceased international track star Steve Prefontaine as his favorite athlete.
Both student-athletes are thankful for this accolade.
“I feel very honored because I put my whole heart into everything,” Ambler said. “I am glad to be recognized.”
“I am really appreciative of this honor,” he said. “We have a lot of great senior student-athletes and I am proud to be nominated.”