WCC holds the 36th Annual Dental Assisting Pinning Ceremony

WCC holds the 36th Annual Dental Assisting Pinning Ceremony

 Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Wilkes Community College Dental Assisting Program held the 36^th annual pinning ceremony on August 2^nd, 2024. Eleven dental assisting students were presented with pins to signify their successful completion of the one-year diploma-level program. The graduates are Anna MacKenzie Barker, Ronda; Kierstin Carol Dowell, Ronda; Jade Elizabeth Gardner, Ronda; Alyson Michelle Golden, North Wilkesboro; Kelsie Robin Huffman, Millers Creek; Leah Grace Leonard, Fleetwood; Lipzy Lopez-Salgado, West Jefferson; Tylee Juel McGlamery, Hays; Diane Nava-Trejo, Wilkesboro; Jessica Lynn Whisnant, Lenoir; and Madeline Grace Wilson, Wilkesboro.

The ceremony began with Kierstin Dowell, a 2024 graduate, delivering the student-led invocation. Dr. Mike Rodgers president of Wilkes Community College welcomed guests to the ceremony. Dr. Michael Andreski was the guest speaker. Jennifer Hastings, lead instructor of Dental Assisting, presented the special recognition awards.

The Patient Care Award was given to Diane Nava-Trejo and the Outstanding Chairside Assistant was given to Kelsie Huffman. The Scholarship Achievement Award was given to Jade Gardner. 

Diane Nava-Trejo – Patient Care Award; Kelsie Huffman Outstand Chairside Award; Jade Gardner Scholarship Achievement Award

Mrs. Kristen Macemore, vice president of instruction, announced each graduate as faculty members Jennifer Hastings, Melissa Holloway, and Annette West presented the pins. Once all graduates received their pins, they said The Dental Assistants Pledge. Kelsie Huffman, a 2024 graduate, gave class acknowledgments. Tamara Beck, dean of Health Sciences offered closing remarks. The ceremony closed with a student-led benediction by Jessica Whisnant, a 2024 graduate.

The dental assisting faculty comprises Jong Byun, DDS; Christopher Dirig, DDS; Amanda Harrold, RDH; Jennifer Hastings, CDA; Melissa Holloway, CDA; Mark Mautner, DDS; Lauren Shumate, RDH; Nicole Wagoner, RDH; and Annette West, CDA. For more information about the Dental Assisting program contact Andrea Smith, health sciences admissions advisor, at 336-838-6459 or ad********@wi******.edu.

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.

2024 WCC Dental Assisting Graduates

Front row l-r: Leah Leonard, Lipzy Lopez-Salgado, Tylee McGlamery, Diane Nava-Trejo, Jessica Whisnant, and Madeline Wilson

Back row l-r: Anna Barker, Kierstin Dowell, Jade Gardner, Alyson Golden, and Kelsie Huffman