Catherine Dutour named BE Valedictorian

As an archery enthusiast, Catherine Dutour knows a thing or two about what it takes to hit a target. So when the Bishop England High School student set her sights on achieving academic success, she knew exactly how to get there. Dutour, a Summerville resident, was recently named Valedictorian of the Class of 2016. “I found out in March,” recalled Dutour, who gave a speech to her graduating class last Friday at the Citadel’s McAlister Field House. “…It didn’t feel real at first, but I was excited!” Dutour credits staying focused and not getting sidetracked for her top student honors at Bishop England. Her high school resume also includes being part of the National Honor Society, drama club, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Club, Library Book Club, Literary Magazine Club, Chess Club, and, of course, the Archery Club. Before becoming a student at Bishop England, Dutour attended Summerville Catholic School and Divine Redeemer Catholic School. She plans to attend the Honors College at Western Carolina University, where she will study forensic science. “I want to work for the FBI, so I figured forensics would be a good way to get into that,” she said. “It seems really cool, to look at a crime scene and use (the things you find) to help solve a crime. That whole aspect is really fascinating to me!” When asked what thoughts she shared with her fellow graduates during her graduation speech last week, Dutour said she talked with them about “the undiscovered country” they would soon find themselves in. “It may seem scary, but it’s also a time of big adventure!” she added. “This is the end of an era, but we’re going into one that is going to be even better!”