Dunedin Cadet's Volunteerism Instrumental in Zack Shannon Fund

A whopping 300 volunteer hours in four years.

It's more community service than anyone in Dakota Guthrie's 125-member Navy Jr ROTC unit at Dunedin High.

City officials publicly lauded Guthrie's dedication to service, his heavy lifiting behind the launch of a scholarship fund honoring Dunedin fallen soldier Zack Shannon and his completion of Florida American Legion Boys State, a rigorous week-long leadership course in local and state government, on May 2.

Guthrie's recent volunteer efforts helped catapult the Spc. Zack Shannon Scholarship Fund in the community.

Shannon, 21, a 2010 Dunedin NJROTC grad, died March 11 when his helicopter went down during a night vision operation in Afghanistan.

"I like to believe that everybody has that same pain in their chest when we lose a U.S. service member," Guthrie said after receiving a certificate of recognition from the city May 2.

Shannon's next older brother, Steven, also graduated from Dunedin's NJROTC program and began selling memorial silicone bracelets toward a scholarship to preserve Zack's legacy. Guthrie was able to coordinate with event organizers immediately following Zack Shannon's death for a table where they could sell the $5 bracelets. 

Guthrie and Steven Shannon raised $1,950 at the Dunedin Highland Games in April.

"The important thing is that we don't want anyone to ever forget," Linda Scavuzzo, Dakota Guthrie's mother, said. "We want this scholarship to go on and on and on for the benefit for not only Zack's memory, but for his passion, which was the ROTC unit, which does so much for our youth and our community."

Guthrie graduates on June 6. He plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy's nuclear engineering program.

Want To Help?

• A supply of Zack Shannon bracelets are available for $5 each at Norton's Diner & Sports Bar.
• To make a contribution mail or drop off a check donation payable to the "Spc. Zack Shannon Scholarship Fund" at any Wells Fargo Bank.

Related Coverage:

• Bracelets Honor Fallen Dunedin Soldier's Legacy
• Remember Fallen Dunedin Soldier Spc. Zack Shannon

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