Dental Student Earns Chancellor's Top Honor

An Eastern Florida State College student has earned the prestigious “Chancellor’s Student of the Month” award that’s given to the top college students in Florida.

Christina McKay, who will graduate May 15 with an Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, is receiving the honor from Chancellor Randall Hanna, who oversees the 28-member Florida College System that includes Eastern Florida.

She had previously earned an Associate in Arts Degree in General Education from Eastern Florida in 2007, and a Bachelor in Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2010.

Dr. Jim Richey, the college's president, lauded McKay for her scholarship, saying "I'm extremely proud of Christina's accomplishments and the path that she has set for a highly successful career."

McKay was nominated by Jeanie Dent, a dental hygiene instructor on the Cocoa campus, who called her one of the best students she has ever taught.

"In all of her classes she is always prepared and enthusiastic in her projects, homework or assignments," said Dent, adding McKay juggles classes with a part-time job.

She also said McKay helps other students and "is one of the highest ranking students in all of her classes as well as in clinic."

McKay will be featured in the May edition of the monthly Florida College System newsletter that it distributed to 800 leaders in higher education in Florida. She will also receive a letter and certificate from Chancellor Hanna recognizing her achievement.