Wallace State Community College’s Dental Hygiene program held a pinning ceremony May 8, recognizing 26 students successfully completing the program for the Class of 2024.

“It will be an absolute honor for me to share the distinction of RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) with all of you,” said interim Program Director Susan Brewer.

“Today with gather to celebrate the culmination of dedication, hard work and unwavering determination,” said Hallie Melton, WSCC Dental Hygiene instructor.

“I am so proud of each and every single one of you to grow through this whole journey that we have gone through in this last two years,” said class president Ashton Mariner of Arab. “It is amazing to see and I can’t wait to see who you will become in your entire career. This pin that we will receive today marks our journey and shows our knowledge, that passion, the determination and drive of where we are.”

She gave thanks to family and friends who supported them through their journey.

“It’s been a long journey and without your support and your bite wings, we would not be sitting here today, so thank you.”

The program presented several awards to students.

The Irene Newman Award was presented to Hannah Kirkpatrick of McCalla. Named after the first dental hygienist, the award is presented to the student who exhibits excellence in preventative oral healthcare.

The Douglas Allen Memorial Award was presented to Kayla Cummings of Phil Campbell, in recognition of compassionate care. The award is presented in memory of former Wallace State Dental Hygiene instructor and program director Dr. Doug Allen. His daughters Leslie Allen and Leigh Allen Howland were on hand to present the certificate and a plant in honor of his love of plants.

The Jane Barber Memorial Award was presented to Jordan Dean of Boaz, for service to the community.

The Academic Excellence Award was presented to three students who achieved a 4.0 GPA. The award was presented to Hannah Dawkins of Dora, Lainey Tidmore of Valley Head and Molly Dinger of Prattville.

The Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award was presented to Layken Morgan of Haleyville. The award is named after a line of dental equipment and is in recognition of clinical skills excellence.

The Colgate Star Award was presented to Abbie Sherer of Calera and is given to recognize overall achievement in patient care, clinical skills, work ethic and attitude.

Members of the Wallace State Dental Hygiene Class of 2024 include:

— Anniston: Millie Burt.

— Arab: Ashton Mariner.

— Bankston: Kendallyn Dunavant.

— Birmingham: Leigh Cash.

— Boaz: Jordan Dean, Molly Morris.

— Bryant: Katelyn Aiken.

— Calera: Abbie Sherer.

— Collinsville: Emily Lozada.

— Dora: Hannah Dawkins.

— Groveoak: Hannah Dalton.

— Haleyville: Layken Morgan.

— Hartselle: Halie Carroll.

— Helena: Elise Lovoy.

— Jasper: Samantha Landers.

— Locust Fork: Lauren King.

— McCalla: Hannah Kirkpatrick.

— Montgomery: Ella Bowman.

— Moody: Sarah Bennett.

— Oneonta: Lesli Acosta Belford.

— Phil Campbell: Kayla Cummings.

— Prattville: Molly Dinger, Savannah Griggsby.

— Trussville: Kelby Foster.

— Valley Head: Lainey Tidmore.

— Columbia, Tennessee: Faith McGinn.