At Arlee High School, graduating seniors, dressed in their caps and gowns, were going through a surprise arch with all the high school and elementary students forming the sides. The seniors were met with applause and greeted by well-wishers.

Graduating senior Xaria Jacobson (X is pronounced like a Z), graciously smiled and shook hands or hugged all the kids, especially the small ones.

She’s a three-sport athlete, on the Student Council, and a member of the National Honor Society. Jacobson won’t use these accomplishments as an introduction, though. She’s quiet and polite, but her intelligence shines through.

For the past two years, she’s been involved in a program called Jobs for Montana Graduates. Funded by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), JMG promotes success by connecting students with local employers and teaching them workplace professional skills, leadership skills and career readiness.

“I looked at my personality to see what I could do well in,” she said.

Xaria considers herself a caring person and responsible, so she chose nursing with the goal of becoming an RN or maybe an athletic trainer. Now she’s trying to find a college to attend. Out-of-state schools are expensive so Xaria has been looking at Montana State University.

Asked where she sees herself in 10 or 15 years, the grad has her eye on success, which would include a family, good job and stability. The latter feels especially important because she’s had unforeseen things happen in her life.

A life-changing event happened during Xaria’s freshman year when her dad passed away due to cancer. “That really changed me,” she said. “I’ve accepted things, but I went through depression, hardships and losses.”

Going to a small school like Arlee helped during trying times because “all the staff here is just amazing. They’re always there for you, they look out for you. They’re like another family,” Xaria said.

Like many smaller schools, Arlee offers more hands-on education and attention from the teachers.

“If you have any questions, they’re right there with you,” Xaria said. “The downside is everybody knows your business.”

Although she had kudos for the entire staff, favorites include science teacher Bill Stockton. “He’s really smart,” Xaria said, “and he knows what he’s doing.”

It’s a mutual admiration society. Stockton, who has taught Xaria biology, chemistry and advanced placement biology, describes her as “a super intelligent, great student,” who works hard, asks questions and “brings her personality into the class.”

She also appreciates English and speech teacher Ryan Landolfi, or “Lando,” math teacher Quinn Huisman, social studies teacher Grant Alberty, and junior high science teacher Ken Hill.

While she especially enjoys math and science, she also took speech class this year, which “helped me express myself and talk more.”

Landolfi remembers a freshman Xaria as “one of the shyest, quietest kids I’ve ever known.” “Fast forward to now in her senior year, to last semester in speech class, her personality has unfurled. It’s been such a positive experience to see who she really is,” Landolfi said. “She’s got a great sense of humor; she’s witty. This year she’s just been unexpectedly awesome at speaking.”

She also made progress on the softball field – her favorite of the three sports she plays – as a member of the Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) team. Unfortunately she sat out this year due to a torn ACL, and has been rehabbing her leg since surgery in December.

She says her physical therapist at Missoula Bone and Joint is a “pump-up man” who keeps cheering Xaria on, and has made her think about athletic training as a career.

Physical therapists “are magic,” she adds.

Xaria also played volleyball, and credits coaches in both sports as having a big impact.

“They really care about you,” she said. “They care about your success; and if you’re doing bad, they help turn you around.”

In her spare time, Xaria enjoys bike riding, hanging out with friends, and singing with her church choir.

With high school behind her and a promising future ahead, she offers this advice to incoming freshmen: “be yourself and speak up.”