The Armidale branch of the international advocacy group, advancing the professional status of women at home and overseas, tipped Ebony for the award after she was recommended to the nominee list by Year 12 advisor, Catriona McRae.

The young aspiring lawyer said the application and the news she had been selected for the award came as a bit of a surprise.

“The questions were relating to what I wanted to do in the future and who inspired me,” she said.

“They asked what I would like to do after school and if I had intentions to maybe study at university.

“I’d like to go into the area of law and to do that as a career path. Maybe work in legal aid to help people who face barriers in achieving justice.”

Ebony said it was her Year 12 Aboriginal Studies teacher, Cath Jeffery, who inspired her most.

“She inspires me to do better in class and academically and also to help people, especially indigenous people,” she said.

The call to a career in the legal system seemed like the perfect fit.

“I can’t really remember ever not wanting to be a lawyer,” she said.

“I like debating and social justice and I’m really interested in politics. 

“I thought it was a really interesting way to work with my passions.”

Ebony said she was considering her university applications, and was leaning towards UNE, but was keen to keep her options open.

“I’m thinking UNE at the moment, but I’m not too sure yet,” she said.