Wallace State Dental Assisting Celebrates Class of 2026

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Dental Assisting program celebrated the success of the Class of 2026 at a pinning ceremony on Monday, July 27.

“We wanted to take time today to recognize them as a class and all of their accomplishments,” said Dr. Susan Brewer, Program Chair of the Wallace State Dental programs. 

Class president Destinee Ealy recognized the significance of the day’s events as they completed the program. 

“Not only did we get through hard work, dedication, determination, but we worked real hard with each other and we worked together,” she said. 

“This ceremony is not the end, but a beginning of a career dedicated for caring for others and making a positive impact on patients,” Ealy added. “I am so excited for what the future holds and proud to officially become a dental assistant.”

Wallace State Dental Assisting Class of 2026 President Destinee Ealy addresses her fellow graduates and others attending the class's pinning ceremony.

Dr. Brewer agreed with Ealy about this being a beginning for the students. 

“You are on your way into a career that will forever change the path that your life was on, and we could not be more excited to be a part of that journey with you,” she said.

Halli Melton, Clinical Coordinator for the program congratulated the students on reaching this point. 

“This is a culmination of countless hours that you have spent studying and practicing your clinical skills and overcoming challenges while persevering through moments that tested your confidence and your determination,” Melton said. “Each of you has demonstrated the dedication and professionalism required to become a dental assistant, and you should be incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished over the last year.”

The following awards were presented during the ceremony:

·       Clinical Excellence Awards were presented to Isabella Hernandez and Lauren Petit

·       Academic Excellence Awards were presented to Bailey Baty and Priscila Francisco

·       Ximena Cartagena Mejia received the C. Edmond Kells Award

·       Tiffany Walker was recognized for completing over 500 clinical hours

·       The Doug Allen Memorial Award was presented to Gabriela Hernandez

Fall 2026 classes at Wallace State will begin on Monday, Aug. 17 for regular and Mini Term I courses, with Mini Term II courses beginning Oct. 14. 

For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for 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 as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, 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.

Isabella Hernandez, right, was presented a Clinical Excellence Award by Wallace State Dental Assisting Clinical Coordinator Halli Melton. 

Lauren Petit, right, was presented a Clinical Excellence Award by Wallace State Dental Assisting Clinical Coordinator Halli Melton. 

Bailey Baty, right, was presented an Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the Wallace State Dental Assisting program by Wallace State Dental Assisting Clinical Coordinator Halli Melton. 

Priscila Francisco, right, was presented an Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the Wallace State Dental Assisting program by Wallace State Dental Assisting Clinical Coordinator Halli Melton. 

Ximena Cartagena Mejia, right, was presented the C. Edmond Kells Award by Wallace State Dental Assisting Clinical Coordinator Halli Melton. 

Tiffany Walker, right, was recognized for completing over 500 clinical hours by Wallace State Dental Assisting Clinical Coordinator Halli Melton. 

Gabriela Hernandez, right, was presented the Doug Allen Memorial Award by Wallace State Dental Assisting program director Dr. Susan Brewer.