CHICAGO—The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is proud to announce the winners of various awards and accolades presented at the Center for Lifelong Learning at the 90th Annual Session in Boston.(1) Esther Wilkins Future Leader Award (sponsored by Hu-Friedy): Awarded to a dental hygienist demonstrating leadership within five years of graduating from a dental hygiene program. Winner: Katherine Welling, Sparks, Nevada Irene Newman Award (sponsored by Colgate): Outstanding advancement of the art and science of dental hygiene. Winner: Christine Nielsen Nathe, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Christine Nielsen Nathe Alfred C. Fones Award: Lasting contributions to the dental hygiene profession over the last 25 years. Winner: Margaret Fehrenbach, Seattle, Washington
Margaret Fehrenbach ADHA Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene (sponsored by Johnson & Johnson) Carol Jahn, Warrenville, Ill.
Carol Jahn Bonnie Nothoff, Kewadin, Mich.
Bonnie Nothoff Michelle Noblett Vacha, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Michelle Noblett Vacha Colgate/ADHA Community Outreach Award Winner: Orange County Dental Hygienists’ Society (Kimberly Cruz, Garden Grove, Calif.) Student Member Community Service Award (sponsored by Colgate) Winner: Kelli McDonald and Katie Zignego, Great Falls, Mont. Crest Oral B/ADHA Clinical Dental Hygienist Award Winner: Lisa Higbee, Pocatello, Idaho
Lisa Higbee Crest Oral B/ADHA Educator of the Year Winner: Nancy Keselyak, Overland Park, Kan. Sigma Phi Alpha Journalism Award (sponsored by Johnson & Johnson) Master’s/Doctoral Category: Lori Giblin, Taunton, Mass. Baccalaureate Category: Tiffany Mendryga, Lincoln Park, Mich. Hu Friedy/ADHA Master Clinician: Awarded for the demonstration of expertise in bringing clinical practice and patient education together. Winner: Stacy Matsuda, Hillsboro, Ore.
Stacy Matsuda
The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Awards 2013, sponsored by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene and Colgate, were awarded to Michele Leonardi Darby, BSDH, MS, and Margaret (Peggy) Walsh, RDH, MS, MA, EdD. Michele’s daughter, Devan, accepted her award. Devan wrote: “One perfect example of this (support from friends) was last night at the American Dental Hygienists' Association annual session in Boston, where I was invited to receive for my mom the Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award, which she shared with her colleague, co-author, and lifelong friend, Dr. Peg Walsh. Not only was receiving (the) award a real professional honor, but it was personally uplifting, healing, and heart-warming. Even though she couldn't be there in person, I know my mom felt your love and positive energy over FaceTime! This brought her immense joy and satisfaction, which is healing in itself!(2) The community of dental hygienists and dental hygiene advocates has been wonderful in supporting my mother and Peg as they overcome their health challenges. At this beautiful event, countless people came up to me to express their support, send their best wishes and prayers, and just give me a hug. I felt like a rockstar -- all because of my mom! Thank you!”(2) Peggy’s award was received by Barbara Heckman, RDH, MS, and Denise Bowen, RDH, MS.
Michele Leonardi Darby, BSDH, MS
Margaret (Peggy) Walsh, RDH, MS, MA, EdD
Congratulations to all the wonderful winners!References 1. http://www.adha.org/adha-announces-contest-winners-2013. 2. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/micheledarby.
