Trio of Locals '26 Recipients of Wilson Martino Dental Family and Friends High School Scholarship
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 05, 2026
SUBMITTED TO CONNECT-BRIDGEPORT
Dr. Robert Martino, CEO of Wilmar Management (parent company to Wilson Martino Dental, TLC Dental, iSmile Specialists and the Smile Defenders) is proud to announce the 2026 Wilson Martino Dental Family and Friends High School Scholarship Recipients.
Dr. Martino initially established the Wilson Martino Dental Family and Friends scholarship in 2020 to honor of the perseverance, 
determination, and flexibility of our students as they navigated the chaotic environment of their high school career. We are equally as proud of our current family of students who have successfully moved towards graduation and are pursuing bright futures. Congratulations to our 2026 Scholarship Recipients, we know they will do well as they work to achieve their goals.
determination, and flexibility of our students as they navigated the chaotic environment of their high school career. We are equally as proud of our current family of students who have successfully moved towards graduation and are pursuing bright futures. Congratulations to our 2026 Scholarship Recipients, we know they will do well as they work to achieve their goals.
Brayden Michael Bailey, a 2026 Grafton High School Graduate, is the son of Amanda Dawn Ancell (TLC Dental of Carksburg) and Andrew Christopher Bailey. Brayden will begin classes following graduation in preparation of his mining career.
Kristiana Elaine Smith, a graduating member of the Doddridge High School Class of 2026, is the daughter of Shannan (Wilson Martino Dental Bridgeport/Doddridge) and Tyler Hartness and Matt Smith. Kristiana will be pursuing a nursing degree at Shepherd University with plans to continue through to a Nurse Midwife Program.
Danica Reese Gherke, a 2026 Lincoln High School Graduate is the daughter of Michelle (Wilson Martino Dental of Fairmont/Bridgeport) and Chris Gherke. Danica has been accepted to the Fairmont State University Health Sciences Program.
“Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients’ exemplify many characteristics of success; they are forward-thinking, motivated, hardworking individuals who participate in many extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, honor rolls and National Honor Societies, and exhibit the qualities we appreciate in our future workforce and leaders,” said Martino. “We are not only proud of their high school achievements, but know they will go on to do great things for the communities they serve through their chosen education path and future careers.”
Editor's Note: Shown in the photo illustration, from left, are Brayden Michael Bailey, Kristiana Elaine Smith, and Danica Reese Gherke.
