When Bethlehem Catholic HS senior Valeska Barsallo entering the school’s media room March 28 would change her future.

Confronted by family members, Beca staff, and representatives from Cedar Crest College, she was experiencing the reveal of a lifetime. Named recipient of Cedar Crest’s Trailblazer Award, Barsallo was informed of and presented with a four-year full tuition scholarship.

“Your hard work has paid off,” said college President Elizabeth Meade.

Shyly, Barsallo thanked everyone at Beca who had helped her since she had enrolled. “Everybody loved me when I came to Bethlehem Catholic, and helped me if I had any questions,” she said.

“She is a wonderful addition to our very diverse campus,” said Jonny Summers, director of international student services at Cedar Crest. Summers explained that the application process was very involved, and that it included formal meetings with officials on the Cedar Crest campus.

Barsallo’s mother, Graciela Llamuca, beamed with pride. “We’re very proud of our daughter, she’s always worked hard,” said Llamuca. “She is the pride and joy of our family here and in Ecuador where we are originally from.”

Barsallo will major in psychology at Cedar Crest College and wants to become a clinical psychologist.

Refreshments were served after the presentation.