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In Spring 2022, 51���� named Giovanna Sodano as the winner of a four-year, full-tuition scholarship. Sodano competed against more than 80 students from 14 different states at the College’s 13th Annual Scholarship Competition held in February 2022.  

The annual Scholarship Competition aims to give high-achieving students a chance to compete for a variety of scholarships and to experience Cedar Crest’s mission of educating future leaders through scholarship, global connectivity, wellness, and service. The competition consists of a three-hour exam covering the arts, mathematics, science, writing, and the humanities. The top 25 finishers are honored at a recognition ceremony, with the five finalists moving on to an interview portion of the competition.  

“When my name was called as one of the top five finalists, I was in shock,” says Sodano. “Later, when I got the phone call from President Meade saying that I had won, I couldn’t believe it. I felt like all of my hard work had finally paid off. Winning a full-tuition scholarship is something that rarely happens.” 

Sodano was born and raised in Naples, Italy, and moved to New York about six years ago. She graduated in Spring 2022 from Peekskill High School, where she was a member of several honor societies. Sodano enjoyed participating in her school’s art club, staying active, and tutoring younger students in art and science. 

She was first introduced to Cedar Crest in her search for a college that offered a genetic engineering major. After speaking to a Cedar Crest admissions counselor who had visited her school, she decided to apply and was later invited to participate in the Scholarship Competition. 

Now a first-year student at the College, she studies genetic engineering and conducts independent research on campus with Dr. Richard Kliman, professor of biology and director of the Biology and Genetics & Counseling Psychology Programs. Sodano has been working with Kliman on sequencing genes of spotted lanternflies, an invasive insect that has spread throughout Pennsylvania. 

“This experience has been really exciting because it has helped me get a sense of what I will expect from my research and my career in the future,” says Sodano, who hopes to one day earn her Ph.D. and become a professor. 

In addition to her classes and research, Sodano has been enjoying Cedar Crest’s beautiful campus — pointing to the gazebo as a favorite spot to read and enjoy nature — as well as the women’s college experience. 

“Being here has made me love my decision to go to a women’s college,” she says. “I have never experienced such a friendly atmosphere, in which I feel safe and heard. Everyone here really supports each other, and it is such a warm and welcoming environment.” 

Looking to her college journey ahead, Sodano is excited to learn all that she can from her professors, determine her future career in genetic engineering, and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as the Sophomore Expedition to Dublin, Ireland. 

“Winning the Scholarship Competition for me meant that my hard work was being recognized. Now being in college, it reminds me to work hard and that I am here for a reason and am part of a supportive community,” she concludes. 

For more information about the annual Scholarship Competition, please contact the Admissions Office at 610-740-3780.