The program’s faculty presented the graduates with pins to mark their transition from students to dental professionals and stoles to wear during their graduation ceremony.
WCC Dental Department Chair Brenda Maddox applauded the graduates during the ceremony for succeeding in the Dental Hygiene program’s rigorous and challenging curriculum. “Each of you has come a long way, and we’re excited to become colleagues in the profession,” Maddox said.
Zoie Outlaw, president of the class and of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, spoke on behalf of the graduating class. She said that although there were moments of doubt, the class relied on each other to complete the program. “We encouraged each other, celebrated each other’s wins, and reminded each other why we started this journey: to make a difference in people’s lives,” Outlaw said.
On behalf of the 2026 graduating class, Alyssa Romkey presented a monetary gift to the Foundation of WCC to be used for scholarships that will benefit future generations of WCC Dental Hygiene students.
Awards were presented to several graduates during the ceremony.
Outlaw earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award. This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement throughout the entirety of the Dental Hygiene program, maintaining the highest cumulative grade point average.
The Highest Clinical Average Award was given to Chelsea Taylor-Akers for her mastery of a wide range of clinical skills, sound judgment in patient care situations, and ability to meet complex patient care requirements under pressure.
The Outstanding Student Curriculum Award also went to Taylor-Akers, who was recognized at WCC’s Student Recognition Ceremony held last month. She was selected by faculty members as the student whose academic accomplishments best represent the Dental Hygiene program.
Kaylee Tucker was named as the recipient of the Star Award, sponsored by Colgate, which is given to a graduate who excels in dedication, compassion in patient care, self-motivation, professionalism, and outstanding clinical skills. Her name will be added to an ongoing plaque displayed in the Dental Department.
The Golden Scaler Award, sponsored by Hu-Friedy, went to Allyssa Doughty. The award has become a symbol of dental hygiene excellence and recognizes outstanding clinical skills as well as overall excellence in patient care.
Madison Kennedy and Caroline Bryan both received the Community Health Award, which is based on a student’s active participation, enthusiasm, and initiative to serve in various local groups through a Community Dental Health course.
The 21 graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Ayden
Evelyn Espino-Gamez
Clayton
Quiana Webb
Dover
Chelsea Taylor-Akers
Dudley
Diana Santos-Diaz
Goldsboro
Caroline Bryan
Tanner Griffin
Karen Morrisroe
Amina Saleh
Christianna Tedesco
Greenville
Alexandra Jones
Alyssa Romkey
Kinston
Zoie Outlaw
La Grange
Kaylee Tucker
Newton Grove
Hely Rodriguez
Pikeville
Victoria Ginther
Madison Kennedy
Richlands
Cadence Rudolph
Smithfield
Ruby Alva
Carson Powell
Tarboro
Sarah Cooke
Wilmington
Allyssa Doughty
WCC’s limited-admission Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). It offers students a two-year degree and allows them to take the written National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the clinical American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. They must pass the exams to become licensed to practice dental hygiene in North Carolina.
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