WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 21, 2022 — West Liberty University Dental Hygiene student Grace Dean was surprised to learn that she received a scholarship from her employer, McDonald’s recently.

Dean works part-time at a Belmont County McDonald’s (Belmont-Morristown exit) as a crew trainer while enrolled at WLU’s Sarah Whitaker Glass School of Dental Hygiene. On Jan. 7 she was presented with the $2,500 award based on her outstanding performance both at the restaurant and in school, according to news reports. Area Supervisor Evan Abele presented the award and owner Ross Stoltz and his daughter Amanda Stoltz Moore were present at the ceremony.

There were more than 7,000 student employees eligible to receive this scholarship this semester, noted Abele.

“Grace, I can’t tell you how proud I am to have you as one of my employees. The example you set on a daily basis by demonstrating hard work, teamwork, leadership and dedication to making our customers smile makes you a true standout and an inspiration to your peers at work and in school,” said Abele.

“I’ve worked here for about four years now, and I always get the regular McDonald’s scholarship that they offer everyone. But to get a second one really just feels nice and I’m grateful,” Dean said. Dean has one more full year before she will be able to earn certification and enter the profession.

“Grace is very deserving of this scholarship provided by McDonalds,” said Stephanie Meredith, RDH MSDH who is the program director for Dental Hygiene. 

“I am confident Grace will be a wonderful addition to the profession of Dental Hygiene. I am thankful businesses invest in their employees to assist them in achieving their academic and career goals. McDonalds should be commended for their efforts.” 

The Sarah Whitaker Glass School of Dental Hygiene was established in 1938 and graduated its first class in 1940. Accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, it offers both the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees. Most recently it added the online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH). The MSDH 30-credit hour program allows working professionals to advance their career while holding a full-time job due to the convenient structure of the two-year program.

The presentation was covered by WTRF-Channel 7 news and other news outlets. Click here to view the coverage.