On May 2nd, the Dental Hygiene Program conducted a ceremonial pinning honoring 11 students. These same students walked at the Valdosta State University Graduation Ceremonies on May 3rd.  Interim President F.D. Toth welcomed the guest and introduced the speakers for the evening, Margaret Brogdon, Recruitment Coordinator and Sandi Woodward, Director of Dental Programs.

The class of 2008 included: Angela Dewanda Bryant, Aundra D. Crawford, Stacie Marie Ellington, Steffi Nicole Ellington, Abbey Elizabeth Gill, Pattie Leigh Gillis, Kirby Danielle Holmes, Monica Paulette Marlin, Ashley Nicole Morris, Melissa Danielle Stankiewicz, and Dawn Lyons Strickland. 

Each graduate was presented with a pin by Sandi Woodward and Margaret Frailey, Dental Hygienist Clinical Coordinator. The presentation of the pin celebrates the students’ transition from a student hygienist to a dental hygiene professional. The pins represent the honor of a school, the honor of a profession, and the honor of each person who wears the pin.

During the ceremony, the students also participated in the Light of Knowledge Candle Lighting Ceremony. This tradition brings forth the passing of knowledge from class to class. Nikki Patterson, president of the class of 2007 lit a candle to symbolize the knowledge that has been passed down to the class of 2008 from the previous classes. The class of 2008 also lit their own individual candles to represent the knowledge that each of them has achieved during the program. A candle was left to represent the class of 2009. 

For information on the Dental Hygienist program or Valdosta Technical College, visit our Web site at www.valdostatech.edu or call 229-333-2105. Valdosta Technical College is a SACS Accredited and Equal Opportunity Institution.