Sophie Visser from Waterville, Nova Scotia, graduated from Central Kings Rural High School with Honours with Distinction and a plan to become a wildlife biologist. Sophie’s considerable experience raising animals on her family’s farm and participating in 4-H Club activities instilled a concern for species at risk worldwide and a desire to pursue a career in habitat and population conservation. An accomplished track-and-field athlete who maintained honours with distinction grades throughout her middle and high school years and was her Grade 12 Class Valedictorian, Sophie is also an accredited swimming and water safety instructor who has been a volunteer with the Special Olympics and the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association. Sophie is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology major. Her Irving Scholarship will allow Sophie to immerse herself in research related to her primary fields of interest: disease prevention and sustaining a healthy environment.