Bethel Park High School senior Sophia Iorio has been awarded Gannon University’s prestigious Presidential Scholarship, a four-year full-tuition award valued at nearly $170,000.
Iorio, who plans to enroll in Gannon’s five-year Physician Assistant program, was among 75 students who competed for the scholarship. Eligible candidates were required to apply and be accepted to Gannon by Dec. 15, with the top 10 percent of applicants invited to participate in the competitive selection process. Up to eight students were awarded full-tuition scholarships based on their performance in a multi-stage competition that included an essay, an art project, and an in-person interview.
"I received an email in December notifying me that I had qualified, and in January, I learned more about the competition," said Iorio, who carries a 4.4 weighted GPA. "The contest took place in February, and it was an intense but rewarding experience."
For the essay portion, Iorio wrote about her cousin, Liz Shirley, a practicing Physician Assistant who played a significant role in her upbringing and inspired her to pursue the profession. Her art project, a collage featuring Pittsburgh’s iconic yellow bridges, symbolized the pillars of her character in alignment with Gannon’s mission statement.
The final stage was a 30-minute in-person interview before a panel of faculty members. "They asked about my beliefs, reasons for choosing Gannon, and service history," Iorio said. "I thought I did well, but I wasn’t sure how it would turn out."
Iorio has been deeply involved in her high school’s youth ministry programs, making it fitting that she learned about her scholarship in that setting. “When the call finally came, I was attending a youth group meeting,” she said. “When I told everyone the great news, everyone started yelling and crying. It was a very emotional moment and a special memory.”
She credited her great aunt Cindy Shirley, with introducing her to Gannon and accompanying her to the competition. She also expressed gratitude to her father, Justin Iorio, who, upon hearing the news, offered some memorable words: "You’ll never know the pain of student loans."
Looking ahead, Iorio plans to continue her commitment to service at Gannon. During a recent visit to the Erie campus—one that happened to be blanketed in snow—she was thrilled to meet her future roommate, a Shaler Area High School student.
"Gannon has an excellent reputation, and its urban campus drew me in," Iorio said. "They offer strong ministry opportunities and an outstanding PA program—it aligned with everything I was looking for."
As she prepares for college, Iorio hopes to return to her hometown to practice as a Physician Assistant. Reflecting on the journey, she emphasized how the combination of her interview and art project helped set her apart. "I think those were a big deal," she said. "That artwork is worth $170,000—I’m definitely framing it."
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