Dental Hygiene graduates 26 from program

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College’s Dental Hygiene program held a pinning ceremony on May 8, recognizing 26 students successfully completing the program for the Class of 2024.

“It will be an absolute honor for me to share the distinction of RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) with all of you,” said interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

“Today with gather to celebrate the culmination of dedication, hard work and unwavering determination,” said Hallie Melton, WSCC Dental Hygiene instructor. “Each of these remarkable women before us have not only demonstrated academic excellence but have demonstrated a profound passion for the field of dental hygiene.”

“I am so proud of each and every single one of you to grow through this whole journey that we have gone through in this last two years,” said class president Ashton Mariner of Arab. “It is amazing to see and I can’t wait to see who you will become in your entire career. This pin that we will receive today marks our journey and shows our knowledge, that passion, the determination and drive of where we are.”

She gave thanks to family and friends who supported them through their journey.

“It’s been a long journey and without your support and your bite wings, we would not be sitting here today, so thank you.”

The program presented several awards to deserving students.

The Irene Newman Award was presented to Hannah Kirkpatrick of McCalla. Named after the first dental hygienist, the award is presented to the student who exhibits excellence in preventative oral healthcare.

Hannah Kirkpatrick of McCalla, right, is presented the Irene Newman Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

The Douglas Allen Memorial Award was presented to Kayla Cummings of Phil Campbell, in recognition of compassionate care. The award is presented in memory of former Wallace State Dental Hygiene instructor and program director Dr. Doug Allen. His daughters Leslie Allen and Leigh Allen Howland were on hand to present the certificate and a plant in honor of his love of plants.

The Douglas Allen Memorial Award was presented to Kayla Cummings of Phil Campbell, right, in recognition of compassionate care. The award is presented in memory of former Wallace State Dental Hygiene instructor Doug Allen. His daughters Leigh Ann Howland and Leslie Allen were on hand to present the certificate and plant in honor of his love of plants.

The Jane Barber Memorial Award was presented to Jordan Dean of Boaz, for service to the community.

Jordan Dean of Boaz, right, receives Jane Barber Memorial Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer, center, and instructor Bree Ruff.

The Academic Excellence Award was presented to three students who achieved a 4.0 GPA. The award was presented to Hannah Dawkins of Dora, Lainey Tidmore of Valley Head and Molly Dinger of Prattville.

Hannah Dawkins of Dora, right, receives an Academic Excellence Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

Molly Dinger of Prattville receives an Academic Excellence from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

Lainey Tidmore of Valley Head, right, receives an Academic Excellence Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

The Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award was presented to Layken Morgan of Haleyville. The award is named after a line of dental equipment and is in recognition of clinical skills excellence.

Layken Morgan of Haleyville, right, receives the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

The Colgate Star Award was presented to Abbie Sherer of Calera and is given to recognize overall achievement in patient care, clinical skills, work ethic and attitude.

Abbie Sherer of Calera, right, receives the Colgate Star Award from Wallace State Dental Hygiene interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

Members of the Wallace State Dental Hygiene Class of 2024 include:

Anniston: Millie Burt

Arab: Ashton Mariner

Bankston: Kendallyn Dunavant

Birmingham: Leigh Cash

Boaz: Jordan Dean, Molly Morris

Bryant: Katelyn Aiken

Calera: Abbie Sherer

Collinsville: Emily Lozada

Dora: Hannah Dawkins

Groveoak: Hannah Dalton

Haleyville: Layken Morgan

Hartselle: Halie Carroll

Helena: Elise Lovoy

Jasper: Samantha Landers

Locust Fork: Lauren King

McCalla: Hannah Kirkpatrick

Montgomery: Ella Bowman

Moody: Sarah Bennett

Oneonta: Lesli Acosta Belford

Phil Campbell: Kayla Cummings

Prattville: Molly Dinger, Savannah Griggsby

Trussville: Kelby Foster

Valley Head: Lainey Tidmore

Columbia, TN: Faith McGinn

The Dental Hygiene program and all other Health Science programs at Wallace State are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024 admission. The deadline to apply is May 15 for Nursing and June 1 for all other programs. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/health to get more information.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway, with summer classes beginning May 22 and fall classes beginning Aug. 19. For more information visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Students may schedule advising sessions with the Center of Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally-recognized by the Aspen Institute among the top institutions according to student outcomes, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.