Thursday, February 25, 2021, the Student National Dental Association/Hispanic Student Dental Association (SNDA/HSDA) sponsored the annual Student, Staff, Faculty and Friends Virtual Variety Show. This event, over many years, has proven to be an undeniable favorite for the dental school family. For one moment, students, staff and faculty were able to display their talents and at the same time celebrate the School of Dentistry’s rich diversity. Further, the event is intended to coincide with the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday and the celebration of Black History Month.
Co-hosts for the Variety Show were Rukevwe Erhenede (DDS 2022) President of SNDA/HSDA. Rukevwe was accompanied by Lena Adams, (DDS 2022) Vice President of SNDA/HSDA.
Among the ten participants were future engineer, Riley Cottrell, who played “Fur Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven, on the piano, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science student, Kaden Hall, played two piano selections “Daydream” by William L. Gullock and “Minuet” by George Philip Tilma and Alena Kirk, 4th Grader at Oak Hill Elementary School, played and sang “Royals” by Lorde. Lindsey Mackey, member UMKC Dental Research Explorer post since 2019, and Drew Baxter, sophomore at Central Christian College of the Bible, played and performed “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. Erin Gilmore, a staff member in BMC and professionally trained performer and instructor, sang “How Could I Ever Know” from the Secret Garden. Taylor Johnson, (DDS 2022) performed magic tricks. Casey Aschinger, (DDS 2023), sang and played “Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran. John L. Cottrell, Director of Minority and Special Programs, gave his rendition of “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross. Katherine Hayes and Luke Komotos, (both DDS 2022), performed a dental school parody. Anh Nguyen (DDS 2204), performed a dance routine to “I Can’t Stop Me” by TWICE.
The Student, Staff, Faculty and Friends Virtual Variety Show continues to be a success in a large part because of the support rendered by the School of Dentistry family. Faculty Advisors for SNDA/HSDA are Dr. Derrick Williams, Dr. Tanya Gibson, Dr. Meghan Wendland and John L. Cottrell.
The Student National Dental Association/Hispanic Student Dental Association thanks all who attended and extended their support to the performers.
See screen cap highlights here.