EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Texas Tech Health El Paso recognized two Hunt School of Dental Medicine scholars last month, including the recipient of the school’s first-ever four-year, full tuition scholarship.
Sujey Lucero was awarded the 2025 McCabe-Whitehill Dental scholarship, and Melanie Mendiola-Martinez was awarded the 2025 Dr. H.V. Whitehill III Dental scholarship. Both first-generation college graduates were recognized at a luncheon last month.
Lucero will receive $10,000 per year for the next four years, which, combined with an earlier scholarship, will cover her remaining education expenses, according to the news release by Texas Tech.
Mendiola-Matinez achieved a significant milestone as the first student to receive a full-ride scholarship in the dental school’s history.
The luncheon also honored Deborah Whitehill’s second generous gift of $40,000. Whitehill’s philanthropic vision expanded access to dental education by providing scholarships to the Class of 2029, who arrived on campus in July, according to Texas Tech Health.
Lucero, born with a congenital dental condition, spent her early years in dental chairs, which left a lasting impression on her that she will never forget.
“I didn’t really realize how much of an impact oral health and its treatment had on someone,” recalled Lucero, who is also a first-generation high school graduate. “I only knew my personal experience because I was going through it. But being around everyone who needed dental care or couldn’t afford it solidified my desire to pursue this career.”
Meanwhile, Mendiola-Martinez, as a young adult, witnessed a periodontal specialist treat her father free of charge. This act of generosity led her to shift her career path from law to dentistry.
“When my dad was diagnosed with periodontal disease, he received his initial dental work from a dentist who didn’t charge him anything,” Mendiola-Martinez said. “I saw this act of kindness as a sign to switch gears into dentistry.”
Nowadays, Lucero carries a deep appreciation for those who cross international borders in search of adequate healthcare.
“I saw how many people from Mexico travel to the States, cross the border, wait in lines, wait months just to be seen and get adequate health care,” Lucero said. “I want to be able to provide that — to be part of a community who cares.”
On the other hand, Mendiola-Martinez often crossed the international bridge linking Ciudad Juárez with El Paso and remains familiar with both sides of the border.
As a high school student, Mendiola-Martinez used to wake up at 4 a.m. to attend Americas High School, where she graduated in the top 10 percent, ranking among the top five students, while managing Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, according to the news release.
“Every time I crossed the border, I’d tell myself it would be worth it someday,” Mendiola-Martinez said. “This scholarship felt like that moment — it showed someone believed in me.”
Both scholars want to stay in El Paso after graduation, tackling regional oral health disparities through multilingual care and culturally responsive treatment methods, according to Texas Tech Health.
The scholarship honors Whitehill’s late husband, H.V. Whitehill, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Whitehill was a dedicated endodontist who served our El Paso community for over 30 years. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 77, according to the news release.
The Whitehill Scholarship was the first full-ride scholarship of its kind for the dental school. Preference is given to a student who intends to practice in our El Paso area after graduation, ensuring Dr. Whitehill’s legacy is forever tied to growing our future “smile heroes.”
“I’m just very blessed to do this,” said Whitehill to the scholarship recipients. “My husband was talented in what he did.”
Read: Read More