Adam Gorski, a Cardinal O'Hara High School senior, gets a little guidance in his writing from English teacher Jamie Wilczek (left) and athletic director Brian Lamping on his sports writing. Gorski has had his work published in several newspapers and websites. (Courtesy of Cardinal O'Hara High School)

TONAWANDA — Adam Gorski plans to make his mark in the world through his sports writing.

A senior at Cardinal O'Hara High School, Gorski turned his love and knowledge of sports into writing for the Buffalo News NExT section and for Sports Union.com, an online sports venue and its website. In addition, he is a sports writer for WNYAthletics.com and manages the O'Hara sports Twitter account.

"Heading into O'Hara from St. Francis of Assisi School (in Tonawanda), I did really well in English. When I was a freshman, Mr. (John) Dunne and Mrs. (Jamie) Wilczek complimented me on my writing. They helped me identify my passion for writing," Gorski said.

He also credited assignments in Joanne Pera's class that he described as "free rein" and which gave him an opportunity to write on controversial issues.

"However, Mrs. Wilczek was the first to encourage my writing and it was because of her that I applied to NeXt," Goseki said.
Wilczek was Gorski's 10th-grade English Honors teacher and describes him as a consistently skilled writer.

"I truly saw a passion inside of him when he was assigned his research paper at the end of the year," Wilczek said. "An avid sports fan, Adam was thrilled to write about concussions in pro athletes. It is a paper I still remember today. He was so dedicated to his research and when I read his paper, his passion was evident. I am so glad that Adam has continued to share his writing with the world. He is a true talent," she added.

Gorski has shown himself a leader in other areas of the school. He is president of the National Honor Society, student manager of the light board for the stage crew, a member of the wind ensemble and captain of the O'Hara boys' soccer team. Last year he was named to the All Catholic Team in boys' soccer for the Msgr. Martin League.

Brian Lamping, athletic director at O'Hara, said Gorski's sports writing on Twitter helps get the word out on the many sports offered at the school.

In addition, he has completed more than the number of service hours required by the school. He also works part time at Old Man River Restaurant.

Next fall, he will continue his journey towards his goal at either Syracuse University or Canisius College.

"Because O'Hara's a small school, so many times teachers take time to talk to you, and that's really nice. I believe teachers do more for you than you do for them," Gorski explained.