Will Dickens’ Son, Brother, Teacher and Friend

Will had a natural talent for teaching. Being an assistant Sunday school teacher
for years at St. Bede’s gave Will the opportunity to share his gifts with the
children of the parish.

He excelled in math and science. His special need was in the area of reading
since first grade. He worked so hard and accomplished so much during his short
life.

A memorial fund has been established to honor Will's life through
Adopt-a-College http://adopt-a-college.org/. The purpose of program is to
support the education of community youth http://adopt-a-college.org/about2.html.
The scholarship will be awarded on May 20, 1 day before Will’s 17th birthday.

Will was also an accomplished athlete in water polo, soccer, tennis, basketball
and swimming. On June 7th, an award will be given to a Palo Alto Unified School
District (PAUSD) high school special needs student who shows enthusiasm for
aquatics and pursuing a university education.

Lastly, an annual award can be made, in memory of Will Dickens, to the Special
Olympics California Aquatic program, 3480 Buskirk Ave., Suite 340, Pleasant
Hill, CA 94523 or www.specialolympics.org.

To heal, our communities must focus on the natural gifts, strengths, talents and
interests that all kids have to offer. With this shift in focus and communities
connecting with youth, wonderful things will happen.