Darick T. Earney
Associate Editor
Dental Hygiene students graduated from Lewis and Clark Community College with bright, shining smiles on December 12, 2015.
The graduation ceremony was held in the Commons from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and was hosted by Dental Program professors Chris Hallstead, Bobbie Brown, and Vicki Hake.
In attendance were dozens of family members and friends of the graduates, enjoying free refreshments and Christmas music while they waited for the event to begin.
“I’m glad we were able to do this on such a nice day, so more people could make it out,” Brown said. “These girls deserve so much love and support, and I’m happy to say I’ve watched them all grow.”
Program Coordinator, Chris Hallstead, started the ceremony with a speech about the true meaning of the word “perseverance,” and wished the graduates luck in their futures before they all stood up to deliver the Dental Hygiene Oath.
There were many awards given out, including the Colgate Star Award, won by Samantha Zarlingo, and the Golden Schaefer Award, given to Jean Knox.
For the first time last year, the Dental Hygiene program awarded a student with the Lauren Michelle Kelly Dental Hygiene Leadership Award, made in memory of late student, Lauren Michelle Kelly, who graduated from the program in December 2014.
Receiving this honorary award, was graduate Britney Hickman:
“I’m really honored,” said Hickman. “I never knew Lauren personally, but through the stories I’ve heard about her, it’s a great compliment.”
After each student collected their Dental Hygiene pins of excellence from Hallstead and Brown, the graduation concluded with a farewell speech delivered by Theresa Goodrich, president of the 2015 Dental Hygiene Club.
“I’m very proud of each and every one of these girls,” Hallstead said. “I see us all as a big family and hope they know that I am here for them even after graduation.”
For more about the Dental Hygiene Program, visit http://www.lc.edu/program/dentalhygiene/ or call the aforementioned Program Coordinator, Chris Hallstead at (618) 468-4411.
