鈥淚鈥檓 so happy, I can鈥檛 believe it,鈥 says Valeska Barsallo Llamuca, recipient of 麻豆视频鈥檚 Trailblazer Award鈥揳 four-year, full tuition scholarship. 鈥淭his is the greatest gift I鈥檝e ever received. I can鈥檛 wait to join the Cedar Crest community.鈥
Llamuca, a senior at Bethlehem Catholic High School, received the life-changing news on Friday, March 28th, during a surprise reveal on her school鈥檚 campus. President Elizabeth M. Meade, Cedar Crest admissions counselors, and Franki the Falcon were there to celebrate, presenting her with flowers, balloons, and the scholarship that will shape her future. As the moment sank in, Llamuca was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, wiping away tears as her teachers and family cheered for her.
Inspired by a close family member鈥檚 experience with autism, she plans to major in psychology and pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, helping children feel more comfortable with themselves. For Llamuca, college isn鈥檛 just about academics鈥搃t鈥檚 about community, and she can鈥檛 wait to get involved with the clubs and organizations on campus.
Llamuca competed alongside other local students in this year鈥檚 Trailblazer Competition, an opportunity focused exclusively on Lehigh Valley students. More than a dozen applicants will also be awarded partial tuition scholarships.
The future is bright for Llamuca, and at Cedar Crest, she鈥檚 ready to make it her own. With the support of her family and a community that believes in her potential, she鈥檚 prepared to learn, lead, and leave her mark.