The Ulrich family is in need of our love and support more than ever! Knights Ferry native, Eric Ulrich is fighting an aggressive form of lymphoma cancer and step-daughter, Melissa Vargas of Las Vegas, Nevada started a GoFundMe page after the family learned he was receiving the wrong chemotherapy treatment for months and he must begin a new treatment plan. Currently, he is being treated for pneumonia before they can begin the new chemotherapy treatment.
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This is Week 2 of celebrating Knights Ferry’s 8th grade graduating class of 2020. As I read over the answers from each 8th grader, especially their answers to what they would do with a million dollars, I could tell by most of their responses that they care a lot about their families and were conscious of the less fortunate. Additionally, their responses of their favorite memories at Knights Ferry School reminded me of siblings. They often included some kind of innocent mischief and I got a good laugh that out of all the years they attended Knights Ferry School, their favorite memory included doing something they probably shouldn’t have done like sliding in the icy puddles together. It wasn’t the over-planned holiday parties, the elaborate field trips, or even the free yearbook every year. Congratulations to this week’s highlighted graduates: Levi Dickens, Cheyanne Black, and Danica Donahue!
Levi Dickens is the 3rd son of Matt and Jenna Dickens to attend Knights Ferry School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. In his spare time, Levi likes to go snowmobiling and he was really looking forward to the 8th grade trip to Great America. His favorite memory of Knights Ferry School was being chased by the older 8th grade girls! After high school, Levi plans to go through the Cal Fire Academy and follow in the footsteps of his older brother. If he was given a million dollars, Levi would give half to charity and then he would spend the rest on things for his family.
Cheyanne Black came to Knights Ferry in 6th grade. Cheyanne will miss the teachers and completing her 8th grade year at Knights Ferry. Cheyanne played Mary in the humorous Christmas play and she did a great job. That is my personal favorite memory of Cheyanne. She enjoys playing volleyball. If she were able to bring 5 things to a deserted island, Cheyanne would pack up food, her phone, her house, drinks, and her brother. Pretty much her whole life! Cheyanne’s word of advice to the students at Knights Ferry School: “Have fun and do all your work!”
Danica Donahue began at Knights Ferry School in 5th grade. She is the daughter of past Knights Ferry Bobcat, Kim Donahue, formerly Kim Hoagland. Danica loves to ride dirt bikes in her spare time and she dreams of someday being a photographer. Danica was looking forward to sitting at the special 8th grade lunch tables for the remainder of the school year. She will miss the small school and the close-knit environment. If Danica was given a million dollars she would give some money to charity, some to the less fortunate, and save the rest for the future. Danica’s advice for the younger students: “Turn in your work, never give up, and try new things!”
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It is no surprise that people who are trying to “get away from it all” would flock to Knights Ferry to find sanctuary and it has been fairly busy in town with the beautiful weather. The increased law enforcement presence and the “Park Closed” and “Go Away” signs haven’t seemed to deter people from visiting town. I am extremely proud of the local businesses adapting to the new way of customer service! They have all been working so hard to serve the locals and visitors as they find their new personal definition of normal.
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As the state slowly starts to reopen, hopefully our town meetings will resume within the next few months. Please continue to follow up with board members of each specific club/group if you have questions about the next potential meeting date.
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Contact Nastasia Sweet at nastasiasweet25@gmail.com.
