Gretchen Pierce is a senior at Creekview High School who has been accepted to the University of Alabama. For her senior project, she created a video demonstrating how Down syndrome students can brush their teeth properly. She worked with students in her peer facilitation class and created scrapbooks for each student. Gretchen has always been passionate about special needs children and dentistry. She plans to double major in biology and chemistry in college to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist and helping special needs patients.

1. 1550 Owens Store Road
Canton, GA 30115
April 19, 2012
Judges, Senior Project
Creekview High School
1550 Owens Store Road
Canton, GA 30115
Dear Judges:
My name is Gretchen Pierce and I am a senior at Creekview High School. I have been
accepted into the University of Alabama where I plan to attend in the fall of 2012. I have
chosen Down Syndrome dentistry as my senior project because two of my biggest
passions in life are special needs kids and dentistry. In college, I plan to double major in
Biology and Chemistry so I can peruse my dreams of entering the Pre-Dental school in
order to become a dentist later in life.
The video demonstration I put together with the down syndrome students in my peer
facilitation class, showed how they are able to keep good oral hygiene by simply
brushing their teeth. My research paper allowed me to easily pull information into the
making of my video. When working through the obstacles and challenges within my
product, I had to learn how to edit and finalize videos on my computer. I did, however,
achieve many things throughout the process. I did finalize and finish up my video along
with creating a scrapbook for each individual student that partook in the “flossing With
Friends” activities.
Both special needs kids and dentistry have always been very interesting to me. I have
learned that you must have a great amount of patience and dedication in order to be a part
of either one of those hobby’s. Although, I do not plan to be a special education teacher, I
do plan on becoming a dentist after attending eight-twelve years of college. I do plan,
however, to adopt a down syndrome child. I have been planning on that ever since I can
remember. Being a part of the peer facilitator program of my school has done nothing but
reassure me on my decision. I look forward to my future with everything that I plan to do.
Although, this senior project has had its challenges, I am thankful that I was able to
experience all that I have. It has helped me gain a lot of knowledge on who I am and who
I want to be. All in all, this was a great experience that I am glad I got to take part in.
Thank you for all of your time.
Sincerely
Gretchen Pierce