Tribute Gifts Provide Extra Support for 2024 Stevenson Award Recipients

The New York State Dental Foundation recognizes an outstanding graduating student from each of the state’s dental hygiene schools with the presentation of the Albert H. Stevenson Award. This award is given to a graduating student who displays the leadership qualities and enthusiasm that Dr. Stevenson gave to the field of oral hygiene. Dr. Stevenson proudly communicated the importance of the oral hygiene field and advocated to have dental hygiene recognized has a licensed profession. The dental hygiene profession as it stands today is due, in part, to Dr. Stevenson’s tireless dedication. 

This year, the New York State Dental Foundation was able to include a $500 award to accompany the certificate for each student, many of whom have families they are supporting while juggling responsibilities of work and going to school. These monetary awards were made possible in part by generous contributions made in memory of Lisa D’Agostino, a certified dental assistant who sadly passed away in May of 2023.  

“Lisa always had a passion for dentistry,” said Lisa’s mother, Kathy D’Agostino. “She began her journey as part of her high school internship and worked in a dental office starting in ninth grade, an experience which only helped her love of dentistry to grow even more. Unfortunately, Lisa’s illnesses prevented her from achieving her life goal of becoming a dental hygienist, but we know she is smiling down knowing she was able to help others fulfill a dream she once had.” 

The Foundation is grateful to Lisa’s parents, Kathy and Chuck D’Agostino, as well as the many donors who paid tribute to her memory through their special gifts.  ​

The 2024 recipients of the Foundation’s Albert H. Stevenson Award are: Zoryana Vykhovanska, New York City College of Technology; Teresa Carmel, Hudson Valley Community College; McKenna Kiesel, Broome Community College; Emily Bogden, Monroe Community College; Johnna Intorcia, Erie Community College; Kathleen Bocash, Orange County Community College; Maria Benny, Hostos Community College of the City University of New York; Marina Babaisakova, State University of New York at Farmingdale; Adelya Mutigullina; NYU College of Dentistry. ​