Keaton O'Shea is a well-liked, well-respected member of the #MiddletownRI High Class of 2023. Recently, he was named the first Academic All-American in the Valley Road school's history.
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN HIGH GRAD O’SHEA AN ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (JUNE 22, 2023) – Keaton O’Shea is an Academic All-American.
According to school officials, O’Shea is the first student from Middletown High to ever receive the prestigious honor in the Valley Road school’s history.
The 18-year-old Middletowner said he was thrilled with the recognition and looking forward to pursuing studies in neuroscience at Middlebury College in the fall.
Asked his favorite part of being a Middletown Islander, O’Shea said that was easy.
“The community,” O’Shea said. “Middletown High School has so much to offer beyond education. Meeting so many different types of people has been super rewarding. Part of the reason I chose Middlebury is that it reminded me of MHS — diverse, talented and curious.”
The son of Jenny and Greg O’Shea, Keaton was a true product of the Middletown school system. Getting his start at Aquidneck School before heading to Gaudet Middle School, O’Shea graduated Middletown High recently with the Class of 2023.
In addition to his achievements in the classroom, O’Shea was known for his prowess in the athletic arena, particularly with lacrosse and hockey. He was named the Middletown High “Senior Male Outstanding Athlete” in 2023 along with numerous other distinctions.
Outgoing Principal Jeff Heath said O’Shea made an especially strong impression during his time at Middletown High.
“Keaton is truly a special student that has left an indelible mark on the Islander community,” Heath said. “His friendly and mature disposition coupled, insatiable curiosity, and, of course, his extraordinary athletic abilities make for an easy student to root for. I've always appreciated Keaton's innate ability to engage with people in a way that makes them feel like they're the only person in the room.”
Heath said O’Shea worked hard to excel personally while also improving his community.
“In addition to his magnetic personality, Keaton also has excelled here at Middletown High School via participation with a variety of school clubs and organizations,” Heath said. “He served as a remarkable role model for our underclassmen, athletically-inclined and otherwise, and as a result, has helped to set the framework for what we encourage our Islanders to strive for.”
O’Shea said every day, he just tried to do right as much as possible, wherever possible.
In his free time, O’Shea said he enjoys fishing, cooking, playing guitar, listening to music and hanging out with his buddies. He said it wasn’t uncommon for him to try random hobbies on a whim.
“Some influences in my life are my parents, who have taught me above all to be kind,” O’Shea said. “My grandparents, who have taught me to persevere and be strong. And my friends, who have reminded me that you have to relax sometimes.”
Asked about why he felt he was successful, O’Shea credited hard work and the community itself.
“Middletown wants you to succeed,” O’Shea said. “The teachers and administration would never try to hinder a student from flourishing in the way that fits them best.”
In terms of the Academic All-American award, O’Shea was humble — as always.
“I’m absolutely honored to be a recipient of this accolade,” O’Shea said. “I hope that my success can serve as a reminder to other students at MHS that anything is possible as long as you work hard for it… I am the result of so many experiences that there are too many people to thank. Everybody I have met has influenced me in some way. So, thank you everybody.”
He also reminded his peers and other Middletown High students to remember what’s truly important.
“Have fun,” O’Shea said. “Some things aren’t so serious and aren’t worth you worrying so much about them.”
As for college, O’Shea said he chose to pursue his course of study because he grew up surrounded by people with neurological differences.
“Middlebury is a place where I can experience something new every day,” O’Shea said. "It is a place full of smart people with experiences that are wholly new and foreign to me, which excites me to no end. I want to learn about worlds I’m not familiar with yet, and Middlebury is the perfect place for me to do that.”
No matter what grade level, O’Shea encouraged students to take life lessons wherever they might appear.
“School teaches you so much more than just the lessons you are taught day-to-day,” O’Shea said. “We saw with COVID how the ‘softer’ values of school were lost, and how much that impacted people. Your teachers have so much more to offer than just the course content. If something interests you, pursue it, do not let the expectations of others put limitations on you. Be unabashedly you. Stay curious, it isn’t embarrassing to learn.”
Heath agreed, saying O’Shea was just one example of the excellence the Class of 2023 had to offer.
“Keaton is perfectly situated as a member of our high-flying Class of 2023,” Heath said. “In addition to numerous division and state athletic titles, the Class of 2023 did not disappoint in the academic arena. This is best represented by the fact that this class sat for more Advanced Placement exams this past May than any class before.
“Every year, I have the pleasure of interacting with students and families that are hard to forget. The Class of 2023 is overflowing with these types of individuals and it makes me proud to have played a small part in their narratives. The rising Class of 2024 will have big shoes to fill but I'm confident that based on their collaboration with 2023, they are well positioned to continue leading Middletown High School to even greater levels of achievement.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/8955/NYCU-OShea
