Danette Youngman Wilkins Memorial Scholarship
Danette Youngman Wilkins devoted herself to helping others throughout her life, which explains why she was loved and admired by so many. In addition to raising their sons Daniel and Dillon (DJ), Danette and her husband Dennis Wilkins became foster parents. Danette also served as a deaconess and instructor at South Side Bible Church.
Known for her congeniality and great sense of humor, Danette’s charismatic smile was extraordinarily fitting for a dental hygienist who would eventually become Assistant Director of Kellogg Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program. She was a natural teacher and mentor, and a leader – who led with a smile. Her engaging personality always shone through.
Danette understood students because she was herself a student at heart. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from KCC and her Bachelor’s Degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor College, both with Highest Honors.
Selflessly, she applied her remarkable intelligence and educational achievements to benefit others in her community. After working as a dental hygienist for many years, Danette went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Ava Maria School of Law She worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for Calhoun County before being appointed Assistant Director of the KCC Dental Hygiene Program.
Impact
Danette greatly enjoyed working with her Dental Hygiene students and many of her protegees credit her with their success. She made every effort to educate and prepare them, including spearheading special study groups to ensure that they passed their boards. She was especially concerned about the social and economic barriers they faced, such as fees for these tests.
This fund honors Danette’s enduring commitment to KCC Dental Hygiene students who, like Danette, work hard to help the world smile a little brighter.