Forestville Senior Wins Buffalo Jills Scholarship

When hard work meets opportunity, magic happens. Ella Duliba, a graduating senior from Forestville High School, just became one of four students selected for the Buffalo Jills Cheerleading Alumni Association scholarship and the only winner from Chautauqua County.

The scholarship recognizes more than just academic success. It celebrates students who excel in school, give back to their communities, and plan to continue dancing or cheerleading in college.

Duliba brought an impressive resume to the table. She earned a 3.8 GPA while serving as a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish honor society. She captained her school cheerleading team and dedicated 12 years to the National Champion Majestic Dance team at Collage Performing Arts Center.

Her trophy case tells its own story. Duliba earned eight National Dance Team Championships and was selected as a UDA All-American Dance Champion. As a two-year team captain, she learned to lead while still performing at her best.

But competition trophies were only part of her journey. She coached unified sports, mentored youth dance teams, and brightened days at local nursing homes through volunteer work.

Sunny's Take

At the June 17 awards ceremony, scholarship chairperson Julie Fanutti Lana captured what makes Duliba special. She praised how the teenager balanced "outstanding dance experiences, classroom achievement, community service and commitment to family" while demonstrating "dedication, perseverance, leadership and confidence."

The Buffalo Jills Alumni scholarship does more than ease the financial burden of college. It shines a light on young people who understand that true success means lifting others while climbing your own ladder.

Duliba's parents, Ron and Kelly, watched their daughter accept the scholarship certificate and check, surrounded by family and the Buffalo Jills Alumni members who created this opportunity.

The win comes with perfect timing. Duliba recently auditioned for and earned a spot on the UB Dazzlers, the University of Buffalo's dance team. She'll start this fall, bringing her championship experience and community spirit to a new stage.

For a young woman who spent over a decade perfecting her craft while maintaining honor roll status and giving back to her community, this scholarship isn't just recognition of past achievements but fuel for future dreams.