GARDNER — Mount Wachusett Community College held a pinning ceremony for the twelve members of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 on May 20. The pinning ceremony represents the passage from student to dental hygiene professional.
“I stand before you with great pride and joy as we celebrate these wonderful women. They have worked so hard and have shown such compassion for one another and for the work they do. We celebrate their resilience, perseverance, commitment and empathy,” MWCC Dental Hygiene Program Chair Kelley Martell said to open the ceremony.
“Your journey through this program has taught you more than how to scale teeth and take X-rays. It has taught you how to build trust, how to listen with empathy, and how to show up every day with professionalism and purpose,” noted Kim Shea, dean of Nursing and Health Sciences. “As graduates of Mount Wachusett Community College, you are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s healthcare system. You leave here not only with knowledge and skill, but with a deep understanding of the importance of equity, compassion, and excellence in care.”
“This is an academically and personally challenging program. You have chosen a field that is filled with compassion, caring and serving others, and for that, you have the gratitude of myself and the communities you will serve,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “I would also like to thank the families and friends who have supported these graduates. They wouldn’t be here today without you.”
Welcoming graduates to the Dental Hygiene profession were guest speaker and retired faculty member Kelly Jancaitis; faculty members Heather Almeida, Julie DeCouteau, Kaitlyn Geise, Brenda Highlands, Annie Peterson, Kristina Sanders, Katherine Soal and Alison Waite and administrative assistant Zulma M. Torres.
All 12 members of the Class of 2026 have successfully passed their clinical board exam. They are: Eveline Orlova McPhee of Ashby, Kendra Nicole Scott of Ashby, Alivia Grace Zuccalmaglio of Ashby, Adriana K. Cintron Rodriguez of Athol, Rylee Anne Litchfield of Fitchburg, Desiree Santana of Fitchburg, Destiny Irene Bennett of Gardner, Renee M. Blouin of Gardner, Kathleen Rita Mott of Gardner, Crystal M. Payant of Greenfield, Christeen Atef Megala of Leominster, and Mayling Ann Tedstone of Leominster.
-Mount Wachusett Community College
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