Dr. J Harper Kent Scholar Bursary

Gabrielle Audet is a graduate from the Class of 2026 at École Secondaire Népisiguit. She takes great pride in her journey, which is distinguished by both her academic performance and her involvement in school, community, and sports activities. Passionate about dance, a sport she has practiced since the age of three, she has developed great discipline and perseverance through it, as well as the self-confidence to constantly push her limits.

Throughout her high school years, Gabrielle was actively involved in school life. She served as co-chair of the "Comité des 12," demonstrating leadership, organizational skills, and initiative. She also acted as co-captain of her soccer team in the fall of 2025, contributing to the team's success in winning the provincial championship. Her community involvement, including the Relay for Life, spaghetti dinners, and other events, demonstrates her desire to make a positive contribution to her community. She achieved all this while maintaining exceptional academic performance and working part-time at a community pharmacy.

Gabrielle will pursue studies in the D.S.S. program at the Université de Moncton. She subsequently aspires to study medicine, with the goal of returning to practice in Bathurst. Her aim is to practice in the Chaleur region and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Zachary Mallais is a member of the Class of 2025 at École secondaire Népisiguit. A brilliant, disciplined, and determined student, he stands out for his exemplary commitment to both academics and the community. Known for his intellectual rigor and thirst for knowledge, Zachary had an outstanding academic career, ranking among the top students in his class thanks to remarkable results, particularly in science and mathematics, fields in which he consistently excels with passion.

He has been actively involved in school and community life, participating in various events such as the Richelieu Spaghetti Dinner, Relay for Life, and the Déjeuner de la Baie. He has also demonstrated strong leadership qualities, notably by serving as a mentor to Grade 9 students starting their journey at ESN and as captain of the school soccer team.

Zachary will begin his studies in the D.S.S. program at the Université de Moncton (Shippagan campus) with the goal of pursuing a career in optometry. He intends to return to Bathurst to work after completing his studies.

Emma Armstrong is a member of the ESN Class of 2024. She is very proud of her achievements to date, including her seven-year tenure on the school volleyball team, her role as ESN President for the 2023–2024 academic year (alongside participation in numerous other committees in previous years), and her community involvement with initiatives such as Relay for Life and the Richelieu spaghetti dinner. Emma is an optimistic, persevering, and open-minded individual who loves challenging herself and pushing her limits.

Emma will begin her studies at the Université de Moncton—enrolling in the D.S.S. program as a pathway to medical school—with the goal of returning to work in Bathurst. She aims to help develop our beautiful region, which offers a unique blend of exceptional access to nature and a vibrant cultural life.

Vickly Lee graduated from Bathurst High School as the valedictorian of the class of 2023, achieving a 98.55% average. Throughout his high school career, he actively engaged in diverse extracurriculars, contributing significantly to both the school and the Bathurst community. He was a member of various varsity sports teams such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball along with student council and other clubs demonstrating leadership and commitment.

Vickly exemplifies a model student, fostering meaningful connections not only with peers but also with teachers and staff. He approaches challenges with determination and embraces opportunities with gratitude, consistently striving for personal growth while supporting others. Currently attending Western University, Vickly is pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Sciences, laying the foundation for a career in the medical field.

Ève Kamille Bourgoin (she/her) is part of the 2022 graduates of ESN. Always full of energy, creativity and kindness, she was very active in her school community as treasurer of the 2021-2022 student council. A young woman passionate in everything she undertakes, Ève Kamille took every opportunity offered to her to grow into the authentic and colorful person she is today. Dancer, mathematician, artist, actress and lover of physics, she loves the world of art, but especially the world of science and mathematics. Wanting to share her love for learning and curiosity, she is completing her studies at the University of Moncton in secondary education, with a major in mathematics and a minor in physics, in order to one day inspire the future generation of mathematicians and scientists.

Word of advice: Be true to yourself

A 2021 graduate of ESN, Jolin Vienneau had an exemplary school career, participating in numerous extracurricular activities—including the volleyball team and the student council, where he served as treasurer.

Having discovered a passion for teaching and helping others, Jolin is now in his fifth year of university studies in education, majoring in mathematics with a minor in chemistry. He has a particular interest in mathematics education and is currently working on a research project with his professors. This project will lead to a presentation at the international MACAS (Mathematics and its Connections to the Arts and Sciences) symposium in the summer of 2025.

In addition, Jolin is leading a personal project in which he visits high school math classes to facilitate activities centered on abstract and stimulating concepts.

Throughout his university journey, Jolin has always placed great importance on his community. For the past three years, he has coached volleyball for the Gravitron regional club in Moncton, as well as for several local schools, including Le Sommet, Antonine-Maillet, and L’Odyssée.

Through all these endeavors, Jolin hopes to continue making a difference in the world by building positive connections within his community and dedicating his time to educating young people.

A word of advice: Cultivate kindness.

Émilie Risdon graduated from Bathurst High School in 2020 as valedictorian and went on to complete her undergraduate education at St. Francis Xavier University. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health with First Class Honours in 2024, with a primary concentration in biomedicine and a secondary concentration in the social determinants of health. During her time at StFX, Émilie founded a student society, organized multiple events and conferences, and engaged in research investigating the effects of music therapy for people receiving palliative care. She also remained connected to her hometown by working with children in Bathurst in various summer roles and volunteering in her faith community and at the Chaleur Regional Hospital after her undergraduate studies. Currently, Émilie is pursuing her medical education at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick.

Shaughnessy Riordon is a 2019 Bathurst High School graduate. He was valedictorian of his graduating class (99.13% average) and won the Governor General Medal. He was student council President this year and was Vice-President last year. He has played on numerous varsity sports teams; Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Track & Field. He was very instrumental in bringing back the Buddy Club at Bathurst High School and truly champions the underdog. In his spare time Shaughnessy enjoys reading, travelling, playing the piano and saxophone. He also works on his family's dairy farm. In the fall, Shaughnessy will be attending University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and plans on majoring in Bio-Chemistry.

Lauren Tulloch (she/they) graduated from BHS in 2018 as salutatorian. Among her honours for English and French, Lauren received accolades for leadership and excellence in drama/music. She won the Chaleur’s Outstanding Youth Award in the Arts category in 2018 and participated in multiple provincial poetry slam competitions. Having participated in 27 different activities throughout high school, Lauren graduated a leader and supporter for their fellow peers.

Currently, Lauren attends King’s College and is in their fourth year of the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program. She strives to be a leader for her fellow Haligonian queer community and participates in local theatre.

Kelly Gauvin is the first recipient of the Dr. J. Harper Kent Scholar Bursary. Kelly is an outstanding example of a student who has made a meaningful contribution to her community and reflects the value of the Dr. J. Harper Kent Scholar. Kelly graduated from École Secondaire Népisiguit in 2017 . Having attended Université de Moncton's Shippagan campus for her first two years, Kelly has been accepted in med school beginning in the fall of 2019.

Kelly is active in school and its extracurricular activities. She was Intern Vice President of the Student Association, and when not in school, she organizes summer camps for young adults on the autism spectrum.