Cedrick Dimaranan
Stamps 1693 Scholar
Hometown
Virginia Beach, VA (Ocean Lakes HS)
Academic Interests
Biology, Biochemistry, Pre-Med, Environmental Sciences, Public Health
Why W&M
As Professor Cristol would tell you, picking a college should involve focusing on the differences. For the most part throughout my decision process, I believed that my ‘college experience’ would be comparable wherever I would decide to go. As a result, when it came time for me to pick a college, I mainly focused on how each differentiated themselves.
At Finalist Weekend, I learned about what made W&M different and its cornucopia of opportunities, distinctions, and quirks: its unparalleled freedom to explore through specialized research and curricula, its empowerment of students in campus affairs, its location in the heart of the Historic Triangle, its claim to the northernmost palm trees on the East Coast. This list could go on and on, but I noticed that my attention was continually drawn to one intangible aspect about W&M: its strong, spirited, and supportive community.
Even before the weekend, I was welcomed into the W&M community by warm, inviting messages on postcards and in emails and meetings with faculty, alumni, and current students who truly wanted to get to know me. In-person, this was no different, as each person I met possessed an infectious positivity and friendliness that complemented their unique wit, talent, and curiosity. This extended even to the professors, who made clear their support and concern for students and their success outside their labs or lecture halls, answering every question I had and offering tidbits of advice to last a lifetime.
Living only an hour away from Williamsburg, I was already somewhat familiar with W&M and so were my friends and teachers. Each time I mentioned W&M to them, I was told that it would be a “good fit” for me but without much elaboration. However, after learning more about the College and engaging with the people that comprise its welcoming community, I finally saw what they saw. I realized that what truly makes W&M distinct from other colleges is the motivated, kind, and passionate set of difference-makers on its campus that, after Finalist Weekend, I longed to be a part of. When Professor Cristol called to offer me a place as a 1693 Scholar, I accepted on the spot, fully eager to join the W&M community and to don green & gold for the next four years.
W&M Activities
High School Activities
- Sophomore and Senior Class President
- Scholarship and Tutoring Chair, National Honor Society
- Independent Environmental Microbiology Research Project on the Kirby-Bauer Test
- Vice President, French Honor Society
- Youth Bowling Team Captain
- Sentara Leigh Hospital Junior Youth Volunteer
- AP Biology Teacher’s Assistant
- SMARTS (Academy Orientation) Camp Counselor
- Math and Science Academy Ambassador / Tour Guide
- Middle School Leadership Workshop Counselor
Awards / Distinctions
- 2023 Edward E. Brickell Scholar
- Dolphin Medallion
- 1st Place, Microbiology Category / Senior Division, 2023 Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair
- National Honor Society Member of the Year
- Outstanding Science 12th Grade Male Student of the Year
- Outstanding Math / Science / English 11th Grade Male Student of the Year
- Academic Excellence Awards in AP Statistics, AP Calculus BC, and AP Chemistry (“Dedicated Dolphins”)
- 255 Game in Bowling
- Seal of Biliteracy - French & English
- National AP Scholar with Distinction
