April Bagby Ellsworth, a graduate of Coupeville High School and currently a doctorate student of law at the University of Arizona, has been selected as a Pat Tillman Military Scholar.

University of Arizona President Robert N. Shelton said the Tillman scholars represent “the best of the best student-veterans who have committed themselves to leadership and service.”

Ellsworth, who attended the University of Arizona as an undergraduate and as a member of Army ROTC, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps in 2004.

She served overseas in Germany and spent 15 months in Iraq, where she was promoted to captain. Ellsworth took command in the reserves in Tucson after five years of active duty and began law school at the University of Arizona.

Her experience in Iraq helped her decide to attend law school. As the senior ranking female in her unit during deployment, Ellsworth volunteered to serve an additional duty as a victim advocate.

She said a lawyer is an advocate and everyone should have access to one regardless of his or her financial resources or social standing.

After receiving her degree, Ellsworth plans to continue public service in the area of criminal defense by serving indigent defendants and ensuring basic constitutional rights for all.

Only 171 students have received the $12,000 scholarship from the foundation which began in 2004. Ellsworth is the first female from the University of Arizona to be honored.

Tillman gave up a promising National Football League career to fight for the United States in Afghanistan, where he died serving his country. To date, the Pat Tillman Foundation has invested more than $4.5 million in educational resources to support individuals committed to a life of service both in and out of uniform.

Ellsworth is the daughter of Ron and Marie Bagby of Coupeville.