Student lauded for completing
associate degree


Montopolis Friendship Community Center, Austin, recognized Jessica Lira at a May 24 luncheon for completing her associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Coastal Bend College in Beeville.
As a recipient of a Velma and Bob Miles Scholarship for a number of years, Lira worked full time while taking courses at Austin Community College, where she earned her first associate degree.
She then moved to dental hygiene training at Coastal Bend College, where she received a second associate degree. She took the state exam for dental hygienists and scored 99.75.
Lira has worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Fernando Loya. As a volunteer, she has participated as a Big Sister and coached baseball for the Greater East Austin League.
The luncheon followed a meeting of the Friendship Center board.