Haley Jill Crumpler
Name: Haley Jill Crumpler
High School: Vidalia Comprehensive High School
College (Current or Future): Southeastern Technical College (STC)
Major/Intended Major: Dental Hygiene
Financial Aid Program: HOPE Scholarship
While attending Vidalia Comprehensive High School, Haley Jill Crumpler decided to become a Dental Hygienist and didn’t wait for graduation to make steps in that direction.
“You can never do enough research on your chosen field of study. When I decided that I was serious, I contacted a local office and asked if I could shadow for a couple of hours,” Crumpler said. “This gave me a practical insight as to what I would be getting myself into.”
She followed that by contacting STC Dental Hygiene program advisor Jennifer Gramiak and shadowing at the STC Dental Hygiene Clinic. Crumpler enrolled in the ACCEL program (now Dual Enrollment) in her senior year of high school, taking STC courses for free.
“It was during this time that I was informed that if I maintained a good GPA, the HOPE program would help pay my tuition,” Crumpler said. “That has been a driving force to keep me motivated to do my very best.”
She graduated from Vidalia High School with a 3.3 GPA, earning the Zell Miller Grant for her first two semesters at STC. Crumpler is now receiving the HOPE Scholarship while working towards her Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree.
“Being an award recipient has helped my family and ensures that once I graduate, I will not have to repay any outstanding student loans,” Crumpler said. “The HOPE program, as well as scholarships awarded by the STC Foundation, have given my family a sense of financial security.”
Once she finishes the program, Crumpler hopes to secure a position locally while, “sparking an interest in my community and imparting knowledge about the importance of oral health.”
“Knowing that I will not owe anything once I graduate takes the burden off of having to set aside money to repay my education,” Crumpler said. “I am very grateful for that financial assistance.”
