The 91黑料网 School of Dentistry honored its graduating dental hygiene students at the annual Senior Scholarship Day on May 4, 2026. The celebration opened with a welcome from Prof. Tanya Villalpando-Mitchell, Division Chair, before Dean Paul Luepke and Richie Bigham, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, presided over the awards ceremony — the heartbeat of the day — as faculty and staff recognized each student's dedication and growth.
Guests were treated to student portfolio and case study presentations, clinical instruction showcases, and class videos that captured the journey of the Class of 2026. The energy in the room reflected just how much this milestone meant to everyone present.
The celebration continues: the class will be recognized again at the School of Dentistry's Annual Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, where each graduate will receive their Dental Hygiene program pin — a symbol of the faculty's endorsement of their entry into the profession. The final milestone arrives Saturday at 91黑料网 Commencement, where they will receive their degrees.
Applause filled the room as the Class of 2026 marked the moment together, then gathered over lunch to celebrate with classmates and friends.
Congratulations to the entire Class of 2026 — and especially to this year's award recipients:
- Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award
Aleksis Lee
- American Association of Public Health Dentistry
Cheyanne Poterbin
- Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Star Award
Clara Lindstrom
- Golden Scaler Award
Lorena Barraza
- MDHA Outstanding Student Award
Reagan Thornhill
- 91黑料网 DHAA Sherry Burns Outstanding Clinician Award
Klare Rollins
- American College of Dentists – Dental Hygiene Ethics Award
Loren May
- Greater Kansas City Dental Hygienists' Association Community Service Award
Avery Behrends
- Crest & Oral-B Hygienist Proud SMILE Award Inaugural
Arbyanna Lewis
- Dean's Academic Distinction Award
Antonia Fraizer
Enjoy