Throughout their lives, Bill and June Sacco were passionate about teaching and our community’s youth. Over the last 18 years, The William J. Sacco Critical Thinking Foundation has carried on this legacy with an annual program honoring the top mathematics students and educators in Harford County.
2021 marked two milestone events. Sadly, it marked the passing of June Sacco who was an avid supporter of the Foundation that bears her husband’s name. Fortunately, she was able to witness the presentation of the 2021 awards which pushed the Foundation’s giving total past the $100,000 mark.
Since the first distribution of these awards in 2004, and with the formal inception of the Sacco Foundation in 2011, the program has annually recognized outstanding student achievement – first at Bel Air and C. Milton Wright High Schools and later expanding to include every high school in Harford County.
Over that time, there have been 132 high school students recognized in the areas of mathematics and computer science. In addition, more than $10,000 has been awarded to educators to support their classroom materials, course-related experiences, and further education.
In March 2021, the foundation honored 14 students and 11 educators from all 12 Harford County High Schools and programs. Nearly six months later, June Sacco passed away at the age of 89.
student nominees and Executive Board Member Ron Dove (far right)
June was the wife of the late Dr. William J. Sacco, who was a pioneer in trauma injury research. She shared Bill’s passion for education and enjoyed her career of 20 years, teaching second grade at various elementary schools in Harford County. Most importantly, June was Bill’s biggest supporter. They both loved mentoring and working with talented students, and she enjoyed hosting visits at their Bel Air home.
The Sacco Foundation looks forward to continuing their legacy for many years to come. Tax-deductible contributions may be made to the foundation on their website. Proceeds go towards the many awards, stipends, and scholarships given at the annual banquet. You can learn more about The William J. Sacco Critical Thinking Foundation by visiting the Sacco Foundation website (www.saccofoundation.org).
About The William J. Sacco Critical Thinking Foundation
The William J. Sacco Critical Thinking Foundation was established in July 2011 to honor and continue forward the life’s work of Dr. William J. Sacco. The Foundation was organized by Sacco protégé, Dr. John F. Kutcher, CEO of the Forest Hill based DICORP, Inc., and quickly supported by a legion of Bill’s long-time friends, colleagues, and proteges including executive board members Ron Dove and Mark Stega.
About Dr. Bill Sacco
Dr. Sacco was a pioneer in trauma registry research, making key contributions to the development of trauma severity scores with applications to patient triage, tracking, and outcomes evaluation, from the earliest days of trauma registries. Dr. Sacco was a co-developer of TRISS, a chief research consultant for the American College of Surgeons Major Trauma Outcome Study, and a prolific author, writing over fifteen books and two hundred papers in the fields of trauma analysis, research, and applied mathematics.
In 1999, Dr. Sacco was named an Honorary Fellow of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) for his lifetime contributions to the field of trauma research and outcomes evaluation.
Dr. Sacco has touched many lives — bringing a boundless amount of joy, energy, optimism, and positive spirit into every activity, personally and professionally. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting him, would attest to his remarkable and unique personality.
Harrison Swartz
Director of PR/Communications and Events