Middle Bucks Dental Student Wins Statewide Cooperative Education Award

JAMISON, PA — Middle Bucks Institute of Technology student Lorelai Smiley has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Pennsylvania Cooperative Education Association Outstanding Student Award.

Smiley, a dental occupations student from Central Bucks West High School, is one of only three recipients of the award from across the state. The award recognizes Lorelai's hard work and dedication and distinguishes her among the graduating class of 2023.

“Lorelai is an outstanding senior in her career and technical education classroom," said work-based education coordinator Pamela Swoyer. "She has attended MBIT for three years and has taken advantage of all the school offers. She obtained her radiation health and safety license in her junior year in addition to two other certifications required for the dental industry.

"She started cooperative education in the summer of her junior year and has been an asset to Doylestown-based dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Mercando, who inspired her to become a dentist," said Swoyer. "In addition to being an outstanding co-op student, she has maintained a 3.5 or better in her academic and CTE classrooms."

Lorelai Smiley, a dental occupations student at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology.

Lorelai, who has applied to and has been accepted at multiple colleges, said she is leaning towards attending Kutztown University in pre-dental and as a biology major. She also mentors younger students and serves as an important role model.

“Lorelai is a student who chose to come to MBIT and take advantage of all the opportunities available to her in the school and classroom," said Dental Operations Instructor Cindy Midgett. "She excelled in the classroom by applying her academics to the clinical skills, passed her radiology license and started a summer internship in her junior year with Dr. Mercando. She continued the internship through her senior year. Lorelai has applied and was accepted into Kutztown University's biology program, when she completes her undergrad degree, she will continue on the dental school. The connections she has made in the dental industry through the community partnerships at MBIT will only help enhance her post-secondary experiences. Congratulations Lorelai, your MBIT family is proud of you,” said Midgett.

When on the job she is a true asset to every person in her office and has been extensively cross-trained making her an asset to her co-workers. She plans to continue working for her practice throughout college and hopes to continue her training with Dr. Mercando, whom she credits with inspiring her to pursue dentistry.

“Lorelai is a textbook example of how students can take full advantage of the opportunity that career and technical education offers," said Administrative Director of Middle Bucks Institute of Technology Dr. Mark Covelle. "Lorelai is fully prepared to enter the workforce, is already accepted into college, and will maximize her opportunity by doing both. She is now experiencing the competitive advantage that career and technical education offers."