Dan Cohn Wins Daniel Guido Scholarship
Dan Guido was a popular fellow. A member of Huntington High School's Class of 2001, he was highly regarded by classmates and teachers. There was a special way about him, a magnetic charisma that seemed to attract all sorts of different types of people.
When Mr. Guido passed away suddenly in June 2009, it was a nearly unbearable loss for his family, friends and classmates. He was only 25 years old and a member of the New York Police Department assigned to the 28th precinct in Harlem.
Mr. Guido had a love for fun, a toothy smile and a famous 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 separate entries were made in an online tribute book hosted by Legacy.com.
No collection of words, regardless of how poetic or sincere they are can ever put into perspective a family's loss of a child. In the aftermath of what can only be described as 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 third time in as many years. This year's recipient is Huntington senior Dan Cohn, who is headed to the University of Hartford in Connecticut in the fall to study criminal justice.
"Caring, involved, mature, trustworthy, these are a few of the words that describe this wonderful young man," said Huntington's college counselor Bernadette Walsh about Mr. Cohn. "Dan readily unites with others, allowing underclassmen to feel comfortable and encouraged. I admire his encouraging approach toward his peers and I find his attitude of assistance and role model-like qualities refreshing."
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 content teenager that night. As classmates applauded enthusiastically, Mr. Guido was presented with the T. Christopher Pettit Award along with the Huntington Alumni Association and Parent-Teacher-Student Association scholarships.
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 sometimes hilarious antics, sensitive nature and impressive accomplishments keep his loved ones going. He was a pure flame of fire whose glow simply cannot be extinguished.
Mr. Guido had the ability to raise the spirits of those who needed it most. He was the 2000 Homecoming Day king, Key Club president and G.O. 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 Mr. Cohen.