The West Virginia University School of Dentistry hosted its annual Senior Awards Ceremony May 13, celebrating the academic and clinical achievements of the Class of 2026.
The event, held at Hotel Morgan, included awards for soon-to-be-graduates of the school’s Doctor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene programs.
ACADEMY OF DENTAL MATERIALS
Scholastic Achievement in Dental Materials
In recognition of excellence in scholarship in dental materials
Brittany Walker
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGY
Radiology Achievement Award
Demonstrates special interest and accomplishment in the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology
Grace Myers
SOUTHEASTERN ACADEMY OF PROSTHODONTICS
Student Award
In recognition of the senior dental student who demonstrates superior skills in the field of prosthodontics
Collin Kerr
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ENDODONTISTS
Student Achievement Award in Endodontics
Presented to a student who displays competence in and commitment to the field of endodontics
Brittany Walker
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Certificate of Excellence
Recognizes a student who has shown excellence and dedication to the field of pediatric dentistry
Riley Reesman
COLGATE
Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award
In recognition of a clinician who demonstrates true dedication to the dental hygiene profession, exhibits compassion in patient care and displays enthusiasm for community service
Brooke Koper
WHIP MIX
Best of the Best Award for Excellence in Prosthodontics
Presented to a student who displays the greatest skill in the field of removable prosthodontics
Bashar Sadat
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORAL MEDICINE
Certificate of Merit
For achievement, proficiency and promise in the field of oral medicine
Ariel Holliday
AMERICAN DENTAL SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGY
Horace Wells Senior Student Award
Honoring the student who has shown exceptional proficiency in the field of dental anesthesiology
Aashish Pokhrel
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ESTHETIC DENTISTRY
Student Award of Merit
To recognize a student who has demonstrated both clinical excellence and interest in esthetic dentistry
Grace Myers
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY
Community Dentistry and Public Health Award
To recognize a dental student who has shown exceptional achievements in community dentistry and dental public health
Riley Reesman
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY
Community Dentistry and Public Health Award
To recognize a dental hygiene student who has demonstrated a special interest and achievement in community dentistry and dental public health
Ashlynn Zimmerman
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF ORAL IMPLANTOLOGISTS
Predoctoral Student Achievement Award
Demonstrates the greatest interest and commitment to oral implantology
Matthew Vicini
AMERICAN STUDENT DENTAL ASSOCATION
Award of Excellence
Presented to the student who shows superior involvement, leadership and service to their peers, school and community
Keerthana Arjuna
NATIONAL NETWORK OF HEALTHCARE HYGIENISTS
Oral Systemic Educator of the Year Award
Presented to the student who exemplifies a passion for educating patients and multidisciplinary providers on systemic health
Carris Seagraves
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF DENTISTS
Outstanding Student Award
Presented to a student who best exemplifies the mission of the College, which is to promote excellence, ethics and professionalism
Ariel Holliday
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Award
In recognition of a student who has demonstrated exceptional skill and interest in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Collin Kerr
DENTAL LIFELINE NETWORK
Brian D. Stone Memorial Award
Recognizes a dental student who provides outstanding care to people with disabilities, the elderly and medically compromised individuals
Ariel Holliday
ACADEMY OF DENTISTRY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Certificate of Merit
Recognizes a dental hygiene student who displays compassion toward the disabled through special projects and patient care
Julie Watts
UNITED STATES PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Dental Award of Excellence
Recognizes a dental student who is committed to public health dentistry and the U.S. Public Health Service values of leadership, service, integrity and excellence
Garrett Pauls
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PROSTHODONTISTS
Predoctoral Student Prosthodontic Achievement Award
Recognizes an outstanding student in the field of prosthodontics
Joshua Petit
ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
Future Leader in General Dentistry Award
Presented to two outstanding students with leadership potential exhibiting the greatest interest, knowledge and proficiency in the field of general dentistry
Sydney Allman
Katelyn Pinti
QUINTESSENCE PUBLISHING
Award of Merit – Research Achievement
In recognition of academic achievement in research
Brittany Walker
QUINTESSENCE PUBLISHING
Award of Merit – Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
In recognition of clinical achievement in restorative dentistry
Katelyn Pinti
QUINTESSENCE PUBLISHING
Award of Merit – Clinical Achievement in Periodontics
In recognition of academic achievement in periodontology
Ariel Holliday
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS
Senior Dental Student Award
In recognition of a student who has demonstrated exemplary aptitude and achievement in oral and maxillofacial surgery
Bashar Sadat
ACADEMY OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY
Certificate of Honor
In recognition of a student who has shown exceptional skill and knowledge in the field of operative dentistry
Madelyn Owen
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PERIODONTOLOGY
Senior Dental Student Award for Achievement in Periodontology
Presented to a student who has excelled in the field of periodontics
Aashish Pokhrel
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Pathology Certificate of Recognition
Presented to a student for outstanding achievement both academically and clinically in oral and maxillofacial pathology
Madelyn Owen
INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS
Student Leadership Award
Presented to a student who exemplifies the International College of Dentists core values of integrity, leadership and service
Jaclyn Montag
INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS
Humanitarian Award
Presented to a student who demonstrates significant leadership, exemplary character, humility, generosity and dedication to humanitarian outreach
Brianna Hodak
DELTA SIGMA DELTA
Delta Sigma Delta Award
Recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement in dentistry
Collin Kerr
AMERICAN DENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Award
Excellence in leadership award given to a graduating dental student for outstanding advocacy, engagement in community service and championship for access to oral healthcare and health equity for underserved and disadvantaged populations
Kent Digwe
WVU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY
Team Leader Award
Presented to students who demonstrate exemplary professional conduct, unsurpassed initiative and quality in patient care
Sydney Allman
Madison Anderson
Katelyn Pinti
Christopher VonScio
PIERRE FAUCHARD ACADEMY
Senior Student Award
Presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership and potential to impact the dental profession
Tyler Linkous
WVU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Dr. Robert Sausen Service Award
Recognizes a dental student for their outstanding public service and commitment to organized dentistry
Brianna Hodak
WVU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Dr. Robert Sausen Service Award
Recognizes a dental hygiene student who exemplifies loyalty, dedication and integrity to the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association, the WVU School of Dentistry and the community
Brooke Koper
WVU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Dr. David Puderbaugh Clinical Competency Award
Honors a dental student who shows overall professionalism and greatest clinical competency in dentistry
Collin Kerr
WVU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Dr. David Puderbaugh Clinical Competency Award
Honors a dental hygiene student who exhibits outstanding clinical competency, professionalism and overall concern for patients
Kyra Kerr
HU FRIEDY
Outstanding Senior Clinician Award – Gold Scaler Award
Recognizes a dental hygiene student who displays exceptional clinical achievement and manages the practice of dental hygiene in an exemplary manner
Katelyn Ross
SIGMA PHI ALPHA DENTAL HYGIENE HONOR SOCIETY
Alpha Xi Chapter
Sigma Phi Alpha, the Phi Beta Kappa of Dental Hygiene, was founded during the American Association of Dental Schools meeting in 1958. Student membership into this national dental hygiene honor society is selected by a special committee of honor society members. Students in the final academic term of the WVU School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene program who rank highest in scholarship, service and leadership and who exhibit potential qualities for future professional growth and attainment shall be elected to membership in the Alpha Xi Chapter. This membership shall be limited to 10% of each graduating class and shall be selected from a list composed of the upper 20% of the class.
Josey Glover
Noelle Wonsettler
OMICRON KAPPA UPSILON DENTAL HONOR SOCIETY
Alpha Beta Chapter
The Omicron Kappa Upsilon Society was organized in 1914 “to encourage and develop a spirit of emulation among students in dentistry and to recognize in an appropriate manner those who shall distinguish themselves by a high grade of scholarship.” To be eligible for membership, candidates must rank in the top 20% of their class. From this group, a number equal to 12% of the senior class may be voted into membership and inducted into OKU.
Sydney Allman
Sophia Ellia
Collin Kerr
Christopher VonScio
Brittany Walker
Photo at Top: Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean, presents the Team Leader Award to Class of 2026 Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates Christopher VonScio, Katelyn Pinti, Madison Anderson, and Sydney Allman. (Photo/Carrie White Photography)
-WVU-
jw/5/26/26
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WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental