Interview With Mr. Sean Burke

Many of you are familiar with Mr. Sean Burke here at Rye Neck. Students may be in his office for discipline, or may just go visit to talk with him. He is as much a part of Rye Neck as the students, which is coincidentally his favorite part of his job. As part of our article, we interviewed Burke, as he is known to many students, and asked him important questions about his job and his journey here.

1. Why did you choose Rye Neck?

I didn't choose Rye Neck. Rye Neck chose me. 

2. What is your favorite thing about Rye Neck?

The students, no question. I think interacting with the students is my favorite thing. Every day coming into work is different; no situation is the same. I think the coolest part about working in a high school is that all the kids are 14-18 forever, even though I've gotten older. I started when I was 26, and they are still 14-18 and I'm 37 now. I enjoy seeing them grow and graduate and come back and see them being successful in life.

3. Is the phone ban annoying to deal with?

At times, it can be difficult. I mean I think that you're dealing with kids with that it's an important part of their life. It's the access to the world for high school kids. If I was in high school, I mean, they didn't have phones back then, and I still would've used my phone. It's their connection to the world.I would say we’ve managed to find the happy medium.

4. What do you look forward to when you wake up?

I'm 37, taking my first breath. That is a good question. I look forward to getting into my nice car and driving it here to work. 

5. If you could coach any sport here at Rye Neck, what would it be?

Bowling. I think bowling is the gem of all sports. 

6. How did you get to this job?

That's a funny story. We have a job site called OLAS. And I saw it and never even heard of Rye Neck, so I thought it was a mix of Rye and Mamaroneck, But then, I got an interview, and I think they liked me, and 11 years later, I'm here with you guys.

7. If you could go pro in any sport that you played, what sport would it be?

Baseball. 

8. If you could title this article, what would it be?

If I could title the article, I would say “Cooling with some Cool Kids.”