Press Release
Stephanie Stanton always knew she'd return home - or close to home, at least - someday.
And she knew she'd come back as a dentist.
In fact, the graduate of Humphrey High School decided when she was in the seventh grade that she wanted a career in medicine. She decided on dentistry after having extensive dental work done when she was young.
Her father, Dave Irwin of Sumner, who is a math and science teacher, fostered her interest in those two fields. Her mother is Jan Irwin of Humphrey.
Stanton attended Wayne State College for a few years, which is where she met her husband, Tom Stanton of Grand Island.
The graduate of Grand Island High School is the son of Laura Stanton of Grand Island. His father is deceased.
The couple were married in 2002 and moved to Lincoln, where Mrs. Stanton earned her degree from the University of Nebraska's College of Dentistry. Stanton earned a degree in psychology from Peru State College.
They and their son, Tommy, moved to Norfolk last May.
"Both of us are from small towns and we knew we wanted to raise our family in that type of environment," Stanton said.
Stanton is the rental manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Mrs. Stanton is a dentist with the Norfolk Dental Group.
While Mrs. Stanton enjoys her practice, she admits that patients are sometimes taken aback when she walks into the room.
"Some people are surprised that I'm a woman, and some think I'm way too young. So I put up a photo of my family to convince people that I'm old enough," she said with a laugh.
While they miss some of the restaurants and other amenities Lincoln has to offer, they are happy living in a town where they can enjoy their neighbors and neighborhoods and become involved in community activities.
"Here, neighbors are willing to help. They don't say anything . . . they just help," Mrs. Stanton said.
Mrs. Stanton is on the board of directors of the Northeast Nebraska Area Health Center and is helping coordinate the Mission of Mercy project, which is coming to Norfolk next fall. The project provides free dental care to people who can't afford it.
The couple are also involved in Norfolk Area Recruiters, whose goal is to persuade young people to move back to Northeast Nebraska.
"(Norfolk) is a great community that is constantly growing and expanding. It is also very welcoming to new people and families," Mrs. Stanton said.
- Story Courtesy of the Norfolk Daily News
