Mount Wachusett Community College Celebrates Dental Hygiene Graduates In Pinning Ceremony

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) held a pinning ceremony for the twelve members of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 on May 20, 2026. 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, MEd, RDH, CDA; faculty members Heather Almeida, BA, RDH, CDA; Julie DeCouteau, MSEd, BSDH, RDH; Kaitlyn Geise, MSDH, BSDH, RDH; Brenda Highlands, MHS, RDH; Annie Peterson, BSDH, RDH; Kristina Sanders, MSDH, BSDH, RDH; Katherine Soal, MSDH, RDH, CDA, and Alison Waite, BS, RDH; and administrative assistant Zulma M. Torres.

All twelve members of the Class of 2026 have successfully passed their clinical board exam. They are:

Eveline Orlova McPhee, Ashby
Kendra Nicole Scott, Ashby
Alivia Grace Zuccalmaglio, Ashby
Adriana K. Cintron Rodriguez, Athol
Rylee Anne Litchfield, Fitchburg
Desiree Santana, Fitchburg
Destiny Irene Bennett, Gardner
Renee M. Blouin, Gardner
Kathleen Rita Mott, Gardner
Crystal M. Payant, Greenfield
Christeen Atef Megala, Leominster
Mayling Ann Tedstone, Leominster