Millner Earns Daniel Guido
Memorial Scholarship
Dan Guido was a popular guy. A member of Huntington High School's Class of 2001, he was well-liked by classmates and teachers. He had a way about him, a unique charisma that seemed to attract all sorts of different types of people.
When Mr. Guido suddenly passed away in June 2009, it was an indescribable loss to his family, friends and classmates. He was only 25 years old and a member of the New York Police Department stationed in the 28th precinct in Harlem.
Mr. Guido had a love for fun, toothy smile and legendary sense of humor. Hundreds attended a wake for him at M.A. Connell Funeral home along with the funeral at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church in Centerport and a graveside service at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Huntington. More than 60 entries were made in an online tribute book hosted by Legacy.com.
No assortment of words, no matter how poetic and sincere can ever put into perspective a family's loss of a child. In the aftermath of what can only be labeled a senseless tragedy, Mr. Guido's parents, Guy and Linda, sisters, Denise and Kristen and brother, Peter created the Daniel J. Guido Memorial Scholarship. The family earmarked the award for a "student who has exhibited the most significant growth, socially and academically, from their freshman to senior years."
Earlier this month, the $500 scholarship was presented for the second time in as many years. This year's recipient is Huntington senior Katilin Millner, who is headed to St. Leo University in Florida in the fall. The teenager hopes to become a teacher.
At the 2001 senior academic awards night in the same Huntington High School auditorium, Daniel John Guido was called to the stage himself. He was a happy teenager that night. As classmates enthusiastically applauded, Mr. Guido was presented with the T. Christopher Pettit Award and Huntington Alumni Association and Parent-Teacher-Student Association scholarships.
"Dan seemed to know everyone in Huntington," Superintendent John J. Finello said. "He was a character. His loss stung us all. This scholarship has helped perpetuate Dan's legacy. Recipients should be very proud to receive it."
Not a day goes by that those who knew him and loved him don't miss Mr. Guido. His personality and presence loomed so large in the lives of his family and friends that his passing created a void that has never quite been filled. Memories of his hilarious antics, sensitive nature and awesome accomplishments keep his loved ones going. He was a pure flame of fire whose glow will never really be extinguished.
Mr. Guido had the ability to lift the spirits of those who needed it most. He was the 2000 Homecoming Day king, Key club president and student council vice-president
"After a rocky start as a freshman, Dan worked hard and finished on top as a senior," said Valerie Allocco, Mr. Guido's aunt, who presented the award to Ms. Millner.