Drake named Career and Technical Education Student of the Year

3 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — The Region Two School of Applied Technology has named Alyssa Drake as its Career and Technical Education Student of the Year.  

 Drake, a senior at Houlton Middle-High School, is the daughter of Adam Drake and Sarah Barton. She is currently a student in the Intro to Medical Professions course at Region Two School of Applied Technology. This program includes a college level Fundamentals of Nursing course as well as a phlebotomy course that will give her a national certification.  

Drake also completed Medical Terminology via concurrent enrolment with NMCC and received certification for her CNA last school year as well.  

 “Alyssa puts forth exemplary efforts daily with her education,” said director Dave Keaton. “Her push to succeed is remarkable. Her social and leadership skills possess all the qualities that reveal her potential in the field of nursing. Her performance in class motivates and inspires her classmates.”

He added that Drake has exhibited dedication, participation, and hard work in every class. 

“Alyssa has excellent attendance and has developed excellent study habits,” he said. “She comes to class prepared and ready to learn. She is attentive and engages in classroom discussion throughout lectures. Alyssa is a humble individual who treats her classmates and Instructor with respect and kindness. She comes to school with a smile on her face and a positive attitude, every day. ”

  When Drake graduates in the spring, she will hold three college credits for medical terminology, CNA certification, National Phlebotomy certification, OSHA 10 certification, BLS certification, completion of her first year nursing fundamentals class, while also being involved in National Technical Honor Society and National Honor Society. 

Throughout the last two years, along with her high school studies and extracurricular activities, Drake has completed several college courses completing almost all of her general education classes required for her first year of college. She is also a participating member in Olympia Snowe Women’s Institute, works on the high school yearbook, and manages her high school cheerleading team.  

  “Alyssa’s accomplishments are only part of what makes her such a great person,” Keaton said. “She is a highly respected individual with such a promising future ahead of her.”

 Drake is passionate about becoming a registered nurse and caring for others, and will become a wonderful, competent, and caring nurse that has the ability to connect with patients and have empathy for their situations. Drake is looking forward to attending college to pursue nursing. She has been accepted to Husson University and will start her nursing journey this fall.