BE Salutatorian Robert Seney ready for next chapter

Mount Pleasant resident Robert Seney was hoping to come out on top in the quest for Bishop England High School’s highest academic honor. But he’s perfectly content with being named Salutatorian of the Class of 2016. His friend and fellow student, Catherine Dutour, is Valedictorian.

“I was really excited!” said Seney, acknowledging he and Dutour have been competing for the top spot in their grades all four years. “…I didn’t find out what a Valedictorian was until I got to high school. So as soon as I found out, I wanted to have it, because I wanted to be on top with grades. I always try to reach for that.”

Seney thoroughly enjoyed his time at Bishop England, specifically taking part in the Drama Club. He participated in eight theatrical productions at BE.

“Theatre was the biggest thing for me in high school,” he said. “I love it and it will carry me through college and I hope to continue doing it!”

Seney was a member of several other clubs as well, including Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Archery Club, Chess Club, and the Ping Pong Club. He also played two years of junior varsity baseball. Seney received scholarships from Presbyterian College, University of Rochester, and Clemson University. He plans to attend the Calhoun Honors College at Clemson, where he will likely study mechanical engineering.

“I like physics and chemistry,” he said. “…My ultimate goal would be to work in a lab testing and creating things…I don’t know where that will get me, but that’s the ultimate goal. It would definitely be more fun than sitting in an office!”

Seney plans to attend a summer program at Clemson to conduct research on carbon nano tubes in micro electrical-mechanical systems. As for advice for students hoping to achieve the same level of academic success, Seney offered a simple tip.

“Don’t fall behind at all,” he said. “It’s impossible to come back once you’re behind, especially when taking high level courses that just keep piling on.”

And when it comes to his future, this honor student is confident about taking the next step.

“I’m excited about getting opportunities to research...and getting closer to that final goal,” added Seney.