Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Wilkes Community College Dental Assisting Program held the 37th annual pinning ceremony on August 1st, 2025. Eighteen dental assisting students were presented with pins to signify their successful completion of the one-year diploma-level program. The graduates are: Natalie Elizabeth Adam, Galax; Isabell Yeniseher Bonilla, Sparta; Lyndsay M Bonilla-Rodriguez, Wilkesboro; Mia Faith Call, North Wilkesboro; Breanna A Cardwell, Wilkesboro; Jaelyn Sophia Carter, Boone; Adriana Cortez Alonso, Ronda; Alexis Christine Dawson, Lansing; Lauren Nicole Eller, North Wilkesboro, Natalie Nicole Johnson, Wilkesboro; Gabriela Limon, Wilkesboro; Michael Fernando Pacheco, Millers Creek; Lilly Blayne Reeves, Statesville; Selina Victoria Resendiz, Wilkesboro; Taylor Madison Marie Roland, Jefferson; Gabriela Ruvalcaba Barragan, North Wilkesboro; Christopher Jarmin Velasquez, Millers Creek; Shaley Nicole Willard, Jonesville.
The ceremony began with Christopher Velasquez, a 2025 graduate, delivering the student-led invocation. Dr. Mike Rodgers president of Wilkes Community College welcomed guests to the ceremony. Gabriela Limon, a 2025 graduate, introduced Dr. Mark Mautner as the guest speaker. Jennifer Hastings, lead instructor of Dental Assisting, provided special recognition.
The Patient Care Award was given to Christopher Velasquez and Outstanding Chairside Assistant was given to Adriana Cortez Alonso. The Scholastic Achievement Award was given to Natalie Adams and Isabella Bonilla.
Mrs. Kristen Macemore, vice president of instruction, announced each graduate as faculty members Jennifer Hastings, Melissa Holloway and Lindsey Wingler presented the pins. Once all graduates received their pins, they said The Dental Assistants Pledge. Natalie Johnson, a 2025 graduate, gave class acknowledgments. Tamara Beck, dean of Health Sciences, offered closing remarks. The ceremony closed with a student-led benediction by Natalie Johnson, a 2025 graduate.
The dental assisting faculty comprises Jong Byun, DDS; Christopher Dirig, DDS; Jennifer Hastings, CDA; Melissa Holloway, CDA; Mark Mautner, DDS; Keshia Richardson, RDH; Nicole Wagoner, RDH; and Lindsey Wingler, CDA.
The members of the WCC 2020 Dental Assisting Class are proud to name Melissa Holloway, CDA, as recipient of the Outstanding Dental Professional Award for her support and dedication to the WCC Dental Assisting program. Melissa has been instrumental in the success of the WCC Dental Assisting program and serves as the clinical coordinator/faculty for the dental assisting program.
For more information about the Dental Assisting program contact Andrea Smith, health sciences admissions advisor, at 336-838-6459 or adsmith365@wilkescc.edu.
Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.
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Front Row (L to R): Selina Resendiz, Mia Call, Breanna Cardwell, Natalie Johson, Gabriela Ruvalcaba Barragan, Lyndsay Bonilla-Rodriquez, Jaelyn Carter, Adriana Cortez Alonso,
Back Row: Christopher Velasquez, Taylor (Madi) Roland, Lauren Eller, Natalie Johson, Gabriela Limon, Lilly Reeves, Alexi (Lexi) Dawson, Isabella Bonilla, Shaley Willard, Mchael Pacheco.
Adriana Cortez Alonso
The Outstanding Chairside Assistant Award
Christopher Velasquez
Patient Care Award