Cross still describes Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction as a highlight of her career

    Feb. 24, 2010
    2004 recipient from Texas recalls receiving the award and notes her colleagues still gather for reunions.

    Shirley Cross, RDH, BS, was one of eight recipients of the 2004 Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction. The Houston resident was honored at the RDH Under One Roof conference in Norfolk, Va., that year along with:

    • Jane A. Balavage, RDH, BS, of Pennsylvania

    • Nancy T. Brohawn, RDH, of Delaware

    • Roxanne S. Denny, RDH, of Nebraska

    • Kirsten Jarvi, RDH, BS, of California

    • Amy Nieves, RDH, of New Jersey

    • Nanette Schubert, RDH, of New York

    • Eileen Tarulis, RDH, of Virginia

    The related article in RDH magazine about the 2004 awards said Cross "has a heart for the underprivileged, abused, and neglected, regularly volunteering on their behalf. As a court-appointed special advocate, she acts as a voice for abused and neglected children in the court system in Texas. She volunteers at a resale shop where the underprivileged can get clothing and food, collecting items from patients during the Christmas holidays. She also conducts Bible studies for women who are dealing with abuse and neglect, counseling them and offering them hope."

    Six years later, she still remembers the award as a highlight of her career. She recently wrote RDH magazine to say, "Receiving the Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction was a highlight of my dental hygiene career. I've never been treated with such gracious hospitality and kindness in all my life. The whole four days of dining, pictures, make-up and facial artist included, made me feel like a queen.

    "I loved the sessions where we were asked our opinions about new products, and our comments were noted and appreciated. This was the premier event in my life, as a practicing hygienist, that gave me the energy and drive to keep on the course, and learn from other hygienists and keep expanding my mind to grow and become a better clinician each year. I stay in touch with my 2004 award winners, and we even had our five-year reunion in Las Vegas this past year at RDH Under One Roof."

    To nominate yourself or a dental hygiene peer for the award in 2010, click here.