Robert Shackelford, or “Shack” to students and colleagues, was a history teacher at Sarasota High School. He died at 61 a month after testing positive for COVID-19.
Now, the school is continuing his legacy with a scholarship for students who carry a similar passion for history.
Shackelford worked at Sarasota High School for 22 years, and the 2020-21 school year would have been his last before retirement.
‘“Shack”’ was an amazing educator and friend,” colleague of 18 years Stella Karas said. “He knew more about history than any other person I have ever encountered. ‘Shack’ was an imposing man with his size and deep voice. At first, the kids were always intimidated, but it would not take long for them to become inspired by his vast knowledge of all things history.”