WCC’s Dental Hygiene Class Pinned At Ceremony

GOLDSBORO – Wayne Community College’s Dental Hygiene class of 2024 was honored at a pinning ceremony to mark their transition from students to dental professionals.

The program’s faculty presented graduates with pins and graduation stoles to wear during the curriculum commencement ceremony.

“I know you thought this day would never come. But you have been steadfast in the pursuit of your dreams, and now you are ready to practice dental hygiene,” WCC Dean of Allied Health and Public Services Janeil Marak told the graduates during the ceremony. “I want to personally congratulate you for accepting the challenge of entering and completing this program.”

The 22 graduates, listed by city of residence, are

Benson
Hannah Candler

Chinquapin
Taylor Ingram

Dunn
Taylor Gainey

Elm City
Delaney Joyner

Farmville
Sydney Mitchell

Goldsboro
Madison Cloud
Christine Heath

Greenville
Teante James

Hagerstown
Megan Parker

Huntersville
Megan Moody

Kenly
Kelsey Bass

Kinston
Katie Croom

Magnolia
Kaitlyn Hardee

Princeton
Taima Alkanshli
Grace Zais

Shallotte
Lillian Little

Vanceboro
Mallory Mercer

Wendell
Emma Gore

Wilson
Anna Black
Ashley-Joyce Stillman

Winterville
Jessica Trejo Martinez

Youngsville
Nicole Sperling

Stillman, president of the class and of the Student American Dental Hygiene Association, spoke about the class’s efforts to support one another throughout the program. “The laughs shared, the numerous tears shed, the early morning clinics, the many local anesthesia injections, and the friendships made will always hold a special place in my heart. We’re not just a class, but we’re a family, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” she said.

On behalf of this year’s graduating class, Candler presented a donation to the Donica Shivar Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to WCC dental students in memory of Shivar, a former Dental Hygiene student.

Awards were presented during the ceremony with recipients chosen by WCC’s Dental Department faculty.

Alkanshli was named to Who’s Who among Students at Wayne Community College, which honors students for excellence and their contributions to the College and community. Recognition is highly selective as less than one percent of the student body is selected for this honor. Alkanshli was recognized last month at the College’s Student Recognition Ceremony.

Alkanshli also received the Highest Academic Achievement Award as the student with the highest grade point average in the Dental Hygiene class of 2024.

The WCC Dental Hygiene Outstanding Student Award went to Gainey, who was also recognized at last month’s Student Recognition Ceremony. She was selected by faculty members as the student whose accomplishments best represent the program.

Sperling received the Golden Scaler Award, sponsored by Hu-Friedy, as the future dental professional who demonstrated exceptional skills in the dental hygiene clinic. She accumulated the highest clinical average over the last two years.

The Community Health Award is given based on a student’s participation, enthusiasm, and initiative in the Community Dental Health course. This award went to Trejo Martinez who was commended for giving her time and interpretive skills to help her peers and patients in the dental hygiene clinic.

Heath earned the Star Award, sponsored by Colgate, which is given to a graduate who excels in dedication, compassion with patient care, self-motivation, professionalism, and outstanding clinical skills. Her name will be added to an ongoing plaque displayed in the Dental Department.

WCC’s limited-admission Dental Hygiene program offers students a two-year degree and allows them to take the written National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the clinical Council of Interstate Testing Regional Exam. They must pass the exams to become licensed to practice dental hygiene in North Carolina.

For more information on WCC’s Dental Hygiene program, visit the College’s website.

About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.