Bishop Feehan High School Students Compete for Heisman Award

Attleboro resident Katherine Runey and Michael Charpentier of East Providence, RI were recently named School Winners at for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.

The two were chosen for their excellence in academics, athletics and leadership both in the community and at the school, according to the school.

"On behalf of Bishop Feehan High School, we are extremely proud to celebrate the exceptional athletic and scholastic achievements of Mary Katherine and Michael with this prestigious award,” Principal Bill Runey said. "These two have embodied the ideals of the Feehan education. "The Sanctity, Scholarship and Sportsmanship that they've lived for nearly four years has brought them to this accomplishment."

One male and one female from each high school are selected as the School Winners from nearly 48,000 applicants nationwide. State finalists are then selected, then two winners from each state. It then is narrowed down from 100 people to 12 national finalists. If Runey and Charpentier win, they will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City, where they will attend the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Ceremony. 

Runey is a member and captain of the volleyball team, member of the softball team, Co-President of OneFAN (Tri-county Student Leadership Council), member of Student Council, and the Massachusetts Regional Student Council.  Runey, who is the daughter of Feehan Principal Bill Runey, has also helped to organize donations for Thanksgiving baskets, canned good drives, and Feehan’s annual Santa Shop. Runey has also volunteered at the Soup Kitchen, as a peer tutor, as a Big Sister to incoming freshman, and as a coach for basketball and volleyball camp.

As for Charpentier his list of achievements include being an honor roll student, member and captain of the men’s swim team, and a senior officer of the Art Honor Society. The Feehan senior is also founder and active worker at the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Rumford as well as a volunteer at the Feehan’s annual Santa Shop and Thanksgiving Drive. He is also a senior officer of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and a member of Project Unite, which is an organization to advance the inclusion and support of people with handicaps.

Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the highest award in college football, the Wendy’s High School Heisman award is recognized as an esteemed award at the high school level.

“These students are an inspiration to those around them and will honorably represent their school in the next stage of Wendy’s High School Heisman award judging,” said Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy and Wendy’s High School Heisman program spokesperson. “I’m proud to be a part of a program that honors young men and women who embody the spirit of the Heisman tradition of hard work, dedication and an outstanding record both on and off the field.”