Department of Dental Hygiene celebrates upcoming graduates and leaders
Annual senior recognition and awards banquet held at Erickson
Congratulations to the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Department of Dental Hygiene Class of 2018. The department hosted its annual awards and senior recognition banquet Friday, April 6 at the Erickson Alumni Center. This year’s class includes:
Carrie Brescoach, Huntington, WV
Mylea Carpenter, Beach City, OH
Madison Chapman, Huntington, WV
Loran Clayton, Moundsville, WV
Kelsey Cochrane, Mebane, NC
Ashleigh Collins, Chesterfield, VA
Kimberly Cooper, Davis, WV
Samantha Farley, Waterford, OH *not pictured
Kelli Feaster, Petersburg, WV
Kristen Hanlan, Bridgeport, WV *not pictured
Kesha Harding, Sissonville, WV
Paige Holmes, Hurricane, WV
Marissa Kohler, Wheeling, WV
Sarah Kyle, Clarksburg, WV
Charlie Lucente, Charleston, WV
Rachel Maerten, Eldersburg, MD
Isabella McDaniel, Cowan, WV
Kaitlyn McQuain, New Stanton, PA
Julia Miller, Keyser, WV
Olivia Nave, Westminster, MD
Kirby Novak, Bridgeport, WV
Hayley Plank-Collins, Falling Waters, WV
The annual celebration includes the presentation of multiple awards for both seniors and some sophomores and juniors.
WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association Instrument Award
Asst. Professor Lisa Lisauckis
Award requirements: Sophomore, GPA 3.0, demonstrates competency and professionalism in preclinical techniques
Sigma Phi Alpha Sophomore Award
Assoc. Professor Dr. Alcinda Shockey
Alpha Xi Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society
Award requirements: Exhibits potential for outstanding achievement in dental hygiene
Judith Grubb Dental Hygiene Scholarship Award
Professor Marlana Thomas
Awarded by Mr. Francis McGreevy in honor of Judith Grubb, dental hygienist, School of Dentistry
Award requirments: Sophomore, WV resident, strong clinical skills, good academic standing
McMechen-Hock Family Scholarship for Dental Hygiene
Presenter Carol Spear
Deborah McMechen-Hock, Dental Hygiene Class of 1968
Established scholarship in memory of her parents.
Award Requirements: Sophomore, WV resident, good academic standing
West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association Junior Award
Amanda Stottlemyer, WVDH
The award is for the purchase of instruments needed for clinical boards.
Award requirements: Junior, maintained 3.0 GPA, exemplifies advanced clinical skills and outstanding patient care
Melissa Carlson Armstrong Memorial Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Hannah Vecchio
Established in honor of Melissa Carlson, Dental Hygiene Class of 2001, by her mother and classmates.
Ann Vargo Rogers Scholarship
Laykin Beardsley
In memory of Ann Vargo Rogers, Dental Hygiene Class of 1972
Award requirements: WV high school graduate, junior dental hygiene student, displays Ann’s pleasant and respectful demeanor
Mary Sanders Memorial Merit Award and Scholarship
Mei Xu
Award is named for Mary Frances Sanders, Dental Hygiene Class of 1977.
Recipient selected by classmates
Lisa A. Smith Memorial Merit Scholarship
Hannah Vechhio
The family of Lisa Smith (her brother Reid pictured above), Class of 1986, established scholarship in memory of Smith’s enthusiasm for dental hygiene, exceptional intellect and compassionate heart.
Dr. David and Mrs. Linda Edwards Scholarship
Maranda Thompson
Linda Edwards
First year for scholarship established by Dr. Edwards in honor of his wife, Linda, a dental hygienist.
Award requirements: WV resident intending to practice in WV, demonstrates strong clinical skills and upholds high ethical and moral standards
Margaret J. Epperly Scholarship for Dental Hygiene
Megan Longwell
Established by Ms. Epperly in 2018 for a well-rounded, compassionate WV resident.
Research Poster Award Recipients
Faculty chooses top three 2-year research projects
Carrie Brescoach and Hayley Plank-Collins
“Radiographic Compliance within the WVU School of Dentistry”
Sarah Kyle and Kirby Novak
“The Effect of Coconut Oil on the Inhibition of Periodontal Bacteria in vitro”
1st place
Samantha Farley and Kriston Hanlan *not pictured
“A Needs Assessment to Evaluate the Perception of Dental Professionals Regarding the Magnetization of the Assistant Instrument Station”
West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association Senior Award
Julia Miller
Award consists of a one-year ADHA membership and two WVDHA continuing education courses.
Award requirements: Presented to student with strong desire to pursue ADHA leadership, WV resident with 3.0 GPA.
American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award
Samantha Farley *not pictured
National recognition for demonstrating a special interest or achievement in community dentistry and dental public health
Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition Award
Julia Miller
Award reqirements: Granted to senior who demonstrates dedication to dental hygiene profession, exhibits compassion for patients
Special Care Dentistry/Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award
Samantha Farley *not pictured
Given to senior student who has demonstrated sincere interest in needs of patients with mental and/or physical disabilities
Hu-Friedy Outstanding Senior Clinician Award (Golden Scaler Award)
Kirby Novak
Hu-Friedy Dental Manufacturing Company honors a senior clinician who displays exceptional clinical achievement.
Dr. Robert E. Sausen Distinguished Service Award
Julia Miller
Given to student who demonstrates high ideals of service, including loyalty, dedication and integrity to toward the school, alumni association and the community
West Virginia University School of Dentistry Alumni Association Award
Kirby Novak
Presented to a senior in the top 25% of class, exhibits outstanding clinical competency and professionalism
Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Society Membership
Wendi Gray, Sigma Phi Alpha
Kirby Novak - Graduating Snr. Inductee
Dr. Keith Hildebrand - Honorary member (1st male dental hygienest in WV)
Michelle Sweeney - Alumni inductee (member of 1st WVU MSDH class)
Wendy Gray, Sigma Phi Alpha
*Farley and Hanlan were presenting in an innovation competition in Massachussetts.