Wayne Community College honors 2015 dental hygiene class
By From staff reports
Published in News on June 26, 2015 1:46 PM
Wayne Community College recognized the 21 members of its Dental Hygiene Class of 2015 recently in a formal pinning ceremony at the college.
The annual service, which includes presentation of stoles and WCC dental hygiene pins to the graduates by the faculty of the program, denotes the end of the graduates' academic journey and welcomes them into the dental profession.
This year's graduates are Katie Arends, Roberta Bunnell, Miranda Canady, Shawn Cason, Melissa Collins, Taylor Murphy Falcone, Whitney Frederick, Sarah Hall, Alarie Yelverton Jenkins, Cassie Jones, Jessy Joyner, Carley McLeod, Tessa Meck, Julia Melcher, Melissa Moore, Rebecca Pate, Karli Pelle, Courtney Speight, Victoria Wiggins, Taylor Williams and Kelly Wood.
Jessica Kiser, a dental hygiene instructor at Cape Fear Community College, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. The former president of the N.C. Dental Hygiene Association and current District IV trustee with the American Dental Hygienists' Association encouraged the class members to dream big, keep moving forward, and continue to learn. "Dreams don't work unless you do," she said.
Seven awards were presented during the ceremony.
The Paradise Dental Technologies (PDT) Scaling Award for demonstration of patient consideration, professionalism, teamwork, enthusiasm, enjoyment of the role of dental hygienist and excellent clinical skills went to Ms. Wood. She received a new set of instruments and a plaque.
The N.C. Dental Hygiene Academy of Advanced Studies Award, which includes a certificate for a free continuing education course and a plaque, went to Ms. Meck.
Ms. Speight earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for the highest cumulative grade point average and exceptional work ethic.
Ms. Melcher received the Colgate S.T.A.R. Award that recognizes dedication, compassion in patient care, self motivation, professionalism and outstanding clinical skills.
Ms. Cason was recognized with the community health award, sponsored by the department's Seminar Day Fund. Two additional awards were provided by the Seminar Day Fund.
Ms. Wiggins was recognized for having completed the most "acceptable" patient full-mouth probes during the current school year.
Ms. Jones was honored for having completed the highest number of patients in the school year. Each received a certificate and a cash prize.