Photo (L-R): Hinman Scholarship recipients Hannah Owens, Shyanne Lake, Taylor HattawaySince 1989, the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Society and the Hinman Board of Trustees have been providing scholarships to dental hygiene students. Three dental hygiene students from Southeastern Technical College (STC) were recently named 2020 Hinman Scholars. Taylor Hattaway of Vidalia, Shyanne Lake of Nahunta, and Hannah Owens of Lyons were recipients of $1000 scholarships.
The students were selected for the scholarships based on their scholastic performance as well as need.
Taylor is a 2016 graduate from Toombs County High School. She said she chose dental hygiene as a career because of her passion with teeth and chose STC because she was familiar with the dental hygiene program in her hometown.
“Taylor has a genuine compassion for patient care. Her dedication and enjoyment of dental hygiene is evident in her clinical practice,” said Dr. Jennifer Gramiak, Program Director for STC Dental Hygiene.
Shyanne is a 2014 graduate of Brantley County High School. She has been a dental assistant at St. Simons Island Dental Associates for three years. She commutes one hour and forty-five minutes one way to STC four days a week. Shyanne said she chose STC because of the small class size and 100% board pass rates. She said she chose dental hygiene as a career because the first thing she notices about people is their smile and because the dental hygiene career affords her the opportunity to communicate with her patients to build lasting relationships.
“Shyanne has exceptional interpersonal skills with patients, along with a strong work ethic. I admire her discipline and willingness to commute to STC for two years in order to further her education,” said Dr. Gramiak.
Hannah is a 2016 graduate of Robert Toombs Christian Academy and earned her Associate of Arts degree from East Georgia College. Hannah said she has known since childhood that she wanted to be a dental hygienist because she always had pleasant experiences at dental appointments and she wanted to help others have the same positive experiences. She said she chose STC because it was accessible and she did not have to relocate. She also knew graduates from the program and she was familiar with the program’s 100% board pass rates.
“Hannah has an enthusiasm for community service and serves as a role model to others by always being willing to volunteer in the local community,” said Dr. Gramiak. Hannah is also passionate about helping her patients improve their oral health and have a positive experience in the dental setting.”
For more information on careers in Dental Hygiene, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.
