Although the two have that in common, they’re chosen future paths that differ markedly.

Hersey has an 88.5 percent average, is a member of student parliament and plays both rugby and hockey. He says that hockey is, in fact, his passion, but he doesn’t see a future on the ice.

He will be joining his father in the family business, fishing for lobster. That will occupy him from April to July and October to the end of December. During the off-season, he plants to study business administration through the online program offered by Nova Scotia Community College.

Thompson will be heading to Newfoundland after earning a $3,000 scholarship from Memorial University. She’ll be majoring in science and says her long-term goal is to become a pediatrician.

The 18-year-old Thompson, whose sports were softball and curling, also won a community service medal, was a member of the social activist group, co-editor of the yearbook, a participant in Envirothon, and a peer mentor.

The Ron Flaherty Award was also presented to grade 9 students, Kathryn McNeil and Timothy Barr.