Dental assistants win HOSA scholarship
Jayshonda Coleman and Angellina Hale, CDA, were named this year’s winners
The international student organization HOSA-Future Health Professionals named approximately 75 scholarship recipients during its 2021 Virtual International Leadership Conference, held June 23-26.
Among the 2021 winners were aspiring dental professionals Jayshonda Coleman and Angellina Hale, CDA, selected to receive this year’s HOSA scholarship for future oral healthcare professionals co-sponsored by DANB and its official affiliate, the DALE Foundation.
DANB and DALE Foundation Executive Director Cynthia C. Durley, M.Ed., MBA, expressed gratitude to HOSA for again partnering with DANB and the DALE Foundation, as well as for the opportunity to attend the virtual Scholarship Recipient and Donor Networking event held the evening of June 23.
Ms. Durley also congratulated Coleman and Hale: “These two young women are exemplary student leaders and deserving recipients of the 2021 HOSA Scholarships co-sponsored by DANB and the DALE Foundation.”
About the winners
The DANB/DALE Foundation HOSA Scholarship recipients were chosen based on criteria including grade-point average, HOSA activities and leadership, other school activities, honors in HOSA and other school activities, community service, professionalism, reference letters and a personal statement. They each won $1,000, plus access to the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program™.
Jayshonda Coleman, who recently graduated from Manatee Technical Institute in Florida, has been involved with HOSA-Future Health Professionals since November 2020. She earned recognition in the dental terminology category at HOSA’s 2021 regional and state competitions, including first place in regional competition. Since January 2021, Coleman has worked as an intern with Greenberg Dental, where she’s learning about helping to provide patient care and assisting, among other duties. “I have learned great communication skills, teamwork, and how to carry myself professionally,” says Coleman, who aspires to have a career in general dentistry. She also has her sights set on earning DANB certification this year.
“I have acquired great qualities such as ambition, proficiency and leadership through my experience with HOSA,” Coleman says. “I plan to use these assets to further my education and eventually become a dentist. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the HOSA organization because it aids in developing great qualities and character in future healthcare professionals. I now know that I can accomplish anything.”
Angellina Hale, CDA, graduated from Manatee Technical Institute in Florida as well as earned DANB CDA certification earlier this year. She has been involved with HOSA-Future Health Professionals since December 2020. She placed first in February 2021 at HOSA’s regional competition in the dental science testing category, and placed second in the state HOSA competition in March 2021 in the dental science category. Hale volunteers at a local dental office, helping the dentists and dental team prepare for providing patient care. She’s interested in pursuing a career in the dental field.
“I know DANB certification will benefit my future career goal of becoming a dentist,” Hale says. “I was motivated to obtain DANB certification because I’m determined to succeed and build my career. Coming out of school, obtaining CDA certification from DANB already has helped with this goal.
“I am just now starting my journey to become a dentist by taking a small but beneficial step by becoming a dental assistant,” Hale continues. “Through holding DANB certification, as well as my HOSA involvement, I feel prepared for a future in the dental field.”
More information about HOSA
The HOSA scholarship program contributes funds to outstanding high school graduates and postsecondary/collegiate HOSA members who achieve high scholastic standards, develop exceptional leadership skills, and commit to careers in the health professions. To learn more about HOSA, visit www.hosa.org/about.