Meet 2026 William G. Davis Scholarship winner Ariana Almero

FCT recently had the honour of awarding the William G. Davis Scholarship to Ariana Almero, a determined student whose perseverance, leadership, and commitment to helping others have shaped her journey.

The William G. Davis Scholarship is part of FCT’s Community Investment Program. This year marks FCT’s first partnership with EducationMatters in Calgary, extending the scholarship program to another region where our colleagues live and work. Together, FCT and EducationMatters are helping remove financial barriers to post-secondary education and creating opportunities for students to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

This fall, Ariana will begin a Bachelor of Biology at Mount Royal University before pursuing a dental hygiene program, taking the next step toward a career where she hopes to combine her passion for science with compassionate patient care.

But healthcare wasn't always part of Ariana's plan.

“It's ironic, because as a kid the one field I swore I would never go into was healthcare,” she said. “However, I've discovered a love and fascination for the human body and all forms of life. I find the science behind it incredible and I want to understand it deeper.”

As she prepares to begin university, Ariana is embracing both the excitement and uncertainty that come with a new chapter.

“What excites me the most is the uncertainty of what is to come,” she shared. “Of course, I am nervous, but I wish to make the most of the opportunities available.”

Throughout high school, Ariana faced personal challenges that tested her resilience. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her, she chose to focus on moving forward.

“I refuse to be a product of my trauma,” she said. “It can never be an excuse to treat others poorly. What I can do now is move forward and use the skills that I've learned to support me in everyday life.”

She credits the unwavering support of her family—especially her father—for helping her navigate difficult moments and inspiring her to keep going.

“I see how much he works every day and unconditionally loves me and my brother,” Ariana said. “I cannot describe how proud I am.”

Outside the classroom, Ariana stayed involved through volunteer initiatives with her school's chaplain, school lunch programs, theatre, and wrestling.

It was wrestling that taught her some of her most valuable leadership lessons. After becoming the only girl on the team during her first year, Ariana continued developing her skills before coaching younger teammates, helping them improve their technique while encouraging other girls to build confidence in the sport.

Receiving the William G. Davis Scholarship represents more than recognition—it provides meaningful support as Ariana begins her post-secondary education.

“It means taking a load of pressure off of my dad financially, as well as the opportunity to focus on my courses during university,” she said. “This scholarship will help so much, and we are so grateful to be the recipient.”

The scholarship will also allow her to focus on her studies without worrying as much about the financial challenges of university.

“It will help me focus on school and not worry about as much debt,” Ariana explained. “I can dedicate the time I would have spent working elsewhere, ultimately helping me mentally and physically in the process.”

Looking ahead, Ariana hopes to build a career as a dental hygienist where she can help patients feel confident in their smiles while creating a calm, trusting environment for every visit.

“I hope to give people confidence in their smile and provide a calm, trusting environment to quell the fears of going to the dentist,” she said.

She also hopes to give back to the organizations that supported her family during times of financial hardship.

“Everyone deserves equal opportunities to pursue their ambitions,” she said. “If I can help move that along, I will.”

When reflecting on the people who have influenced her journey, Ariana is quick to recognize the teachers, counsellors, and school staff who believed in her and encouraged her to keep moving forward.

“Teachers and school staff are so incredibly vital for the growth of youth,” she said. “Without them, I would be worse for wear.”

In five to 10 years, Ariana hopes to be working as a dental hygienist, helping support her younger brother as he pursues his own post-secondary education, travelling the world, and continuing to become someone she can be proud of.

Her advice to other students is simple:

“Do your best, work hard, but don't forget to have fun as well. Trying to keep a balance is key. Make the most of what you have.”

We're invested in our community, which is why helping students like Ariana access the education they need to reach their full potential means so much to us. Through the William G. Davis Scholarship, FCT is proud to support the next generation of leaders who demonstrate perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to creating brighter futures for themselves and their communities.