He was headed to Ohio University in January to study criminal justice, worked as a corrections officer in Marysville, was dating his girlfriend of four years and early Friday he was hanging with his high school buddies in Columbus after a long break. "He wouldn't shut the hell up talking about how good life was," said his friend, Donald Sullivan, 21, of Hamilton. But after the five guys bar-hopped in downtown Columbus and told stories about the old days, Monnin, 21, died after diving into a quarry on Bayshore Drive.
- Journal News, Saturday August 21, 2010
Steve and Susan Monnin created this scholarship in memory of their beloved son, Daniel who passed away Friday, August 20, 2010 suddenly at the age of 21.
As a student at Hamilton City Schools, he had a passion for sports, and lots of natural ability. He started playing baseball at West Side Little League and was on the 10 year old state championship team and 12 year old runner up state championship team. That same year, he helped the 12 year old Millville Cal Ripken League win its first state championship.
Daniel continued playing baseball in high school finishing his senior year as District Champions. There was hardly a ball that got by him or a base stolen on him. Unfortunately an injury to his throwing arm ended his long time career as a catcher.
But because Daniel had an inner drive and a heart for all people, he simply changed his focus from sports to helping others through law enforcement. Daniel knew in high school that he wanted to be a police officer and fulfilled that dream by graduating from the Columbus State Police Academy in September 2009. He also graduated from Columbus State Community College with an Associate's degree in Law Enforcement.
While he was a loyal friend, employee, brother and son, he had an intensity to have fun and live life to its fullest. He worked hard in college and at the police academy setting goals that he was determined to meet. He pushed himself as well as encouraged others to achieve their dreams and accomplish their goals. Especially those who were not expected to do well.
As a community, we need the encouragement that he extended to others to continue. That is why the Daniel Monnin Memorial Scholarship Fund was started. Through this scholarship, we will continue Daniel's work of helping those least expected to meet their goals, find their way and achieve their dreams, especially those who are not expected to succeed. A merit-based scholarship to a Hamilton and Badin High School graduating senior will be awarded annually with a preference to a student playing softball or baseball who also participated in the West Side Little League.
