For my birthday project this year, I am taking on something very personal and dear to my heart. As many of you know, Shannon Melendi was my student, my player, my friend. She was kidnapped, raped, and murdered on March 26, 1994. Her killer is Butch Hinton, now serving a life sentence (with possibility of parole).

This past March we held a 30th Commemorative Senior Safety Assembly at Southwest. Quite a few of Shannon’s friends, classmates, and soccer teammates were in attendance. In conversation with them, we've decided to start a scholarship in Shannon's name to benefit a Southwest Senior every year, starting this May.

30 years ago our community came together to raise reward money for Shannon’s return (see can). Sadly, it was for naught. Today's efforts can have a much more positive outcome. I am asking ALL Facebook friends to please donate to this GoFundMe page to continue to benefit students in our community. Students just like Shannon.

You have my eternal gratitude.

Angel. Mabel. Coach.