Gannon Blake

Tell Us a little bit about yourself

I am a student at River Valley High School (RVHS) in Yuba City, and I'm about to graduate this June with both my high school diploma and an Associate degree from Yuba College because I am in the dual enrollment program. High school has been a wonderful experience where I have been involved in AVID, leadership, the Engineering Club, and played Baseball. Although my time at RVHS has been great and I have created wonderful memories and friendships, I'm excited to begin my next chapter going to college. I will be attending California State University, Chico in the Fall where I will major in Mechanical Engineering. When I'm not hitting the books or playing baseball, I can be found exploring new places because I have a passion for travel and enjoy engaging in outdoor sports

What impact has La Porte had on your life? Describe how La Porte has influenced who you've become as a young adult.

LaPorte, CA is more than just a town to me; it's a place that has significantly impacted my life. I have been visiting LaPorte since I was about eight years old, and every summer, I look forward to spending time there, swimming, wakeboarding, and fishing at Little Grass Valley Reservoir. In addition, I learned how to snowmobile and shovel snow in the winter, and these experiences have taught me essential survival skills.

What I love most about the LaPorte community is its tight-knit nature. Everyone knows everyone, and it feels like the old TV show Cheers adage, where everybody knows your name (or at least Derek Watkins!). The community is welcoming and friendly, and I feel a sense of belonging. My family and I have a cabin in LaPorte, and it's a place where we can go to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. I love taking my friends there to hike, explore, and ride our RZRs.

One of my favorite memories of LaPorte is celebrating New Year's Eve at Reilly's Saloon. It's a tradition my family and I have been doing for years, and it's always fun. Another favorite memory is attending the infamous Fourth of July parade, the best and smallest parade I have ever seen. There are also many memories I have created with my family at the annual Christmas Tree lighting where, as a young boy, I always made and hung an ornament after visiting Santa. The community comes together to celebrate, and it's always a blast.

Growing up in LaPorte has taught me the importance of watching out for each other. The people in LaPorte have big hearts and treat you like family. I have learned the value of being a part of a community that cares about each other and looks out for one another. Whether it's lending a hand during a snowstorm or coming together to celebrate an event, LaPorte is a community that supports each other.

LaPorte has influenced who I am today. It has taught me the importance of family, community, and nature. I have learned to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and to respect the environment. LaPorte has also given me a sense of adventure and exploration. I love exploring new places and trying new things, and LaPorte has provided me with countless opportunities.

In addition to the positive impacts LaPorte has had on my life, it has also taught me some valuable lessons through humor. For example, watching many drunk people make bad decisions has deterred me from underage drinking. I've learned that some things are better left to the adults, and I'm content to sit back and watch the hilarity from a safe distance. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the laughter and humor that LaPorte has brought into my life, even if it's at the expense of a few misguided souls.

In conclusion, LaPorte has been a significant part of my life and has had a profound impact on who I have become as a young adult. It's a place that has taught me valuable life lessons, created cherished memories, and provided me with a sense of belonging. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that LaPorte has given me, and I will always hold this special place close to my heart. Since I am attending CSU, Chico in the Fall, I look forward to bringing my newfound college friends to LaPorte to share a part of me.

What is your educational plan for the future?

My educational plan is to attend California State University, Chico, this Fall where I will major in Mechanical Engineering. I've always been interested in understanding how things work, and this field of study will allow me to delve deeper into that curiosity. Additionally, I believe that Mechanical Engineering has the potential to provide solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues, such as sustainability and energy efficiency. By pursuing this major, I hope to contribute to developing innovative and sustainable technologies that can improve people's lives. With the support and resources of CSU, Chico, I'm confident that I'll be able to achieve my academic and career goals.