Goldsboro, N.C. – In a heartfelt celebration of achievement, Wayne Community College recognized the Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 during a special pinning ceremony, marking the students’ transition from the classroom to professional practice.
Held on campus, the event honored the 20 graduates with traditional pins and stoles, symbolizing their hard-earned success and readiness to enter the dental hygiene field. Faculty, family, and friends gathered to applaud the students’ academic accomplishments, clinical proficiency, and personal growth.
A Ceremony of Purpose and Pride
WCC Dean of Allied Health and Public Services Janeil Marak addressed the graduates, highlighting the depth of responsibility they are about to undertake.
“Today marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the art and science of dental hygiene,” Marak said. “As dental hygienists, you’ll touch lives not only with your skills but with your care and compassion. The future of hygiene is bright, and it begins with you.”
Class President Mariah Gurkin reflected on the journey her classmates shared.
“I want to thank my teammates—we weren’t just classmates. I now have lifelong friends,” she said. “We have earned this. Everything we have been through has led us right here.”
As a symbol of gratitude and community investment, graduate Caroline Cutler presented a monetary gift from the class to the Foundation of WCC to support future scholarships.
Recognizing Excellence
Several graduates received special awards recognizing outstanding performance:
- Outstanding Student Curriculum Award: Alana Reeves
- Highest Academic Achievement Award: Brittany Mize
- Highest Clinical Average Award: Katie Putman
- Star Award (sponsored by Colgate): Audrey Smith
- Golden Scaler Award (sponsored by Hu-Friedy): Stefany Reyes
- Community Health Award: Citlaly Andrade Briones
Meet the Class of 2025
The 20 graduates of the Dental Hygiene program, listed by city of residence, are:
- Blount’s Creek: Caroline Cutler
- Clayton: Shelby Blair, Caitlin Young
- Dingess, WV: Jodie Vance
- Goldsboro: Alana Reeves
- Greenville: Madelyne Cheshire, Mariah Gurkin
- Kenly: Lindsey Holland, Amber Pinion
- Lenoir: Audrey Smith
- Micro: Brandie Cory
- Middlesex: Mekenzie Martin
- Mount Holly: Ah’Santi McIlwaine
- Mount Olive: Abdiel Aguirre
- Newton Grove: Stefany Reyes
- Washington: Citlaly Andrade Briones, Brittany Mize
- Wilson: Lindsey Galloway
- Winterville: Jessica Purcell, Katie Putman
Wayne Community College’s Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and provides students with a rigorous two-year curriculum. Graduates are eligible to take both the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the clinical ADEX exam, which are required to practice in North Carolina.
For more information on the Dental Hygiene program, visit waynecc.edu.
