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On Friday February 23, 2007, The New Era Dental Society held their Annual Scholarship Gala. The affair combined the grand opening of the traveling exhibit "African Americans in Dentistry" with scholarship presentations. Dr. Anthony L. Farrow, President of the New Era Dental Society (NEDS), gave welcome remarks. He spoke on the history of the traveling exhibit and the history of the National Dental Association (NDA). Dr. Chairman Douglas-Pinkett spoke on the history of the New Era Dental Society and its mission statement. Dr. Elsie Casimir, President Elect of NEDS, welcomed dignitaries and sponsors. This was followed by a presentation of the scholarship winners by Dr. Renee Fenell Dempsy- VP of NEDS. Dr. Iris Moody presented a proclamation from the Mayor of Philadelphia, John Street. A special award was given to Chris Gray of Benco Dental for outstanding service and dedication to the New Era Dental Society. Closing remarks and special tributes were given by Dr. Ed Williams, Chairman of the Board for the NDA. Special guest, Dr. Nathan Fletcher, President elect of the NDA was in attendance with his wife Dr. Allison Riddle-Fletcher.

The event was held at the Philadelphia African American Cultural Museum. Eight $1000.00 scholarships were given to academically advanced dental students from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry and Temple University School of Dentistry. The awardees were all SNDA members and included:

Ian C. Gibbs, Past President of Temple University Chapter of the S.N.D.A.
Michael E. Simonetacchi, Gbologah, President of University of Penn chapter of SNDA
Taj M. Haynes, University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry
Anthony J. Monterio, Temple University School of Dentistry
Talia V. Moses, Temple University School of Dentistry
Jennifer Smith, University Of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry
Dereck T. Tillman, University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry
Obioma Okafur, Temple University School of Dentistry

Several New Era Dentists and Colgate sponsored scholarship money. In addition to scholarship presentations the crowd was impressed with the traveling dental exhibition entitled: "The Future is now! African Americans in Dentistry." Many pictures of early and current Philadelphia Dentist were added to the exhibit. The New Era Dental Society was proud of the proclamation received from the Mayor's office - John Street acknowledging the significance of the event. For entertainment, there was dancing and great music from a live band. It was truly a night to remember.