Salisbury High School senior Maddie Dilliard has been awarded Cedar Crest College’s prestigious Trailblazer Award, a four-year, full-tuition scholarship recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community engagement.

Dilliard received the surprise announcement March 19, during a special presentation held on SHS’s campus.

Cedar Crest College President Elizabeth M. Meade, members of the admissions team and the college’s mascot, Franki the Falcon, joined school officials and family to celebrate the momentous occasion with flowers, balloons and the official scholarship presentation.

“I am extremely excited and very honored about this,” Dilliard said. “I am shocked!”

At Cedar Crest College, Dilliard plans to major in forensic science and minor in criminal justice. She expressed enthusiasm about the college’s recently opened Expert Witness Training Center, which will support her academic and career goals.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Dilliard has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service. She serves as president of the Key Club, participates in the Suicide Prevention Awareness Club, tutors multiple days each week and has been an active member of Girl Scouts for 11 years. She is currently working toward earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.

“Maddie Dilliard exemplifies what it means to be a Trailblazer-academically accomplished, deeply engaged and driven to make a difference,” Meade said. “We are proud to recognize her with four years of tuition through this scholarship.”