St. Viator High Celebrates Gurnee’s Olympic Skating Champions O’Shea and Kam

Gurnee’s Olympic skating champions, Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam, have achieved a remarkable milestone by winning gold in the figure skating team event. Their accomplishment was celebrated at Saint Viator High School, where O’Shea honed his skills and grew into a determined athlete.

Celebration at Saint Viator High School

The atmosphere at Saint Viator High School was electric as students and staff gathered to honor O’Shea’s achievement. O’Shea’s triumph at the Olympics marks a proud moment for his alma mater, woven into the fabric of his journey.

A Journey to Gold

O’Shea expressed the joy of standing on Olympic ice, sharing, “It’s an amazing experience to stand out there and hear your national anthem played.” His partnership with Kam led to this prestigious victory, and they are now eyeing further success in the upcoming Pairs competition.

Support from Former Teachers and Classmates

Father John Eustice, a staff member at Saint Viator, reflected on O’Shea’s determination when he transferred to the school during his junior year. “He was very kind and genuine,” Eustice recalled. Elyse Bartnicki, a former classmate now teaching Spanish at the school, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing O’Shea’s enduring smile and spirit.

Inspiring Future Olympians

Younger generations are also inspired by O’Shea’s success. Evan Neuhaus, a junior at Saint Viator, dreams of competing in the Olympics in 2030. He said, “Seeing someone from my school win gold makes me want to achieve that too.”

Looking Ahead

As O’Shea prepares for future competitions, he is also set to be inducted into the Saint Viator Hall of Fame, joining the list of distinguished alumni. His journey underscores the dedication required to reach Olympic heights and the impact of his legacy on aspiring athletes.