Southern Aroostook High School senior Ariana Given will graduate with honors in June as a member of the Class of 2026. Ariana has consistently made the Honor Roll and High Honors. Ariana has served as Class Secretary for three years. Her peers and teachers recognized her excellence early on, leading to her induction into both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). At NTHS, she has served as Treasurer during her Junior year and was elected Vice President for her Senior year.
Ariana’s journey at the Region Two School of Applied Technology is truly unique. Arianna explored the full spectrum of technical education over her four-year tenure:
Freshman & Sophomore Years: She started in the shop, mastering Welding.
Junior Year: She pivoted to healthcare, taking CNA and Medical Terminology.
Senior Year: She capped off her experience with Intro to Nursing and Phlebotomy.
Her transition to healthcare was seamless, she earned "Best in Class" honors at Region Two twice, for both CNA and Nursing 101. Through the Bridge Academy and the TRIO program, she has consistently pushed herself to reach the highest academic standards by successfully completing multiple college courses in high school.
Ariana has logged countless volunteer hours for the SACS Clothing Drive, the Houlton Humane Society, the local Food Pantry, and the Special Olympics. She has also worked with the ASP program at Houlton Elementary, where she visited younger students to teach them about the nursing program and inspire the next generation of caregivers.
Ariana balances academics while working part-time. After two years at Vacationland Estates in Island Falls, she transitioned into healthcare and has served as a CNA at Madigan Estates for the past year, while also providing home care services within our community.
This fall, Ariana will be heading to Orono to attend the University of Maine. She will be pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a specific goal to become an Oncology Nurse. Ariana is the daughter of Kris and Allissa Given.