Sacco Critical Thinking Foundation
Who was Dr. William J. Sacco?
Dr. Sacco was both a pioneer in trauma registry research and a prominent math teacher at HCPS, impacting the lives of countless students.
Critical Thinking Foundation
The William J. Sacco Critical Thinking Foundation was established by Dr. John Kutcher in 2011 to honor and continue Dr. Sacco's life work.
About the Community Math Award
The Community Award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership and initiative in advancing mathematics in their schools and communities.
Hope Kerr Through the Years
Early Education: A Mathematician in the Making
Although Hope was largely unsure where life would take her after graduating high school, being named the first-ever recipient of the William J. Sacco Mathematics Community Award affirmed her curiosity and passion for mathematics which had previously been fostered by the guidance of dedicated teachers, the unwavering support of her family, and an enduring love of learning.
Hope’s father, Walter Kerr, a paramedic and former member of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) and the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (SEMSAC), recalls that it was Hope’s authenticity that first drew her to mathematics. Reflecting on her personality as a young student, Walter said, “There’s no facade to her whatsoever. No politics, no tilt, no slant. And I think that’s why she likes math, because math doesn’t have that either. Math is genuine, and that’s who she is.”
In addition to excelling academically at C. Milton Wright High School, where she graduated tenth in her class, Hope was actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Academic Team, and a cappella. Hope shared that these experiences helped “inspire a love of learning while interacting in a collaborative environment with other people.”
Even as a graduating senior, Hope was still undecided about the career path she wanted to pursue. What she did know, however, was that she loved mathematics. Motivated by that passion and a desire to help others through her mathematical abilities, she chose to follow where her interests led.
Taking a Look Back
A Word From Hope
A Pioneer for Excellence in Math
First Ever Mathematics Community Award Recipient
Established in 2012, the William J. Sacco Foundation Community Award recognizes graduating seniors from Harford County who demonstrate leadership and initiative in advancing mathematics within their school and community. As the award’s first-ever recipient, Hope Kerr exemplified the dedication, leadership, and academic excellence it was created to honor.
Although Hope had already decided to pursue mathematics when she received the Community Award, the recognition both affirmed her decision and celebrated her hard work. Her father, Walter Kerr, recalled how meaningful the award was to her, explaining how “it just validated her that somebody cared… She didn’t feel like she got it because she knew somebody. She felt like she got it because it was a deserved thing based on what the qualifications were.”
Since its founding, the Sacco Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to students and more than $14,000 to educators.
Setting the Scene
William J. Sacco Award Banquet
In 2012, the first ever William J. Sacco Award Banquet was held, now an annual tradition. Hosted by Liberatore’s Ristorante in Bel Air, nearly 150 people attended the Sacco Banquet enjoying crudités, pastas, and refreshments while celebrating award recipients.
March 21, 2012
Liberatore's Ristorante
Life After High School
Higher Education and Academic Accolades
After receiving the William J. Sacco Mathematics Community Award, Hope went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics and a Master of Arts in Economics from Boston University (BU), graduating summa cum laude and being recognized as a Top Economics Undergraduate Student. During her time at BU, Hope worked as both a Research Assistant and a Research Analysis Intern, gaining valuable experience in academic research.
Following graduation, Hope spent four years as a Senior Business Analyst in Los Angeles, California, before returning to school in 2022 to enroll in the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program at the University of Florida (UF). While completing the program, she continued her commitment to education by serving as both a Peer Tutor and a STEM Tutor for fellow students.
After graduating from the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program in 2024, Hope began pursuing her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine with the support of the four-year MD Scholars Achievement Scholarship, a merit-based award. Upon earning her medical degree, she plans to specialize in internal medicine while continuing to explore innovative ways to combine mathematics and medicine.
What the Future Holds
A Word to High School Students
Advice from a Pro
Although Hope was recognized as the recipient of the William J. Sacco Community Award over fourteen years ago, she continues to exemplify the qualities that define its recipients through her unwavering commitment to growth and self-improvement. Although her path from high school graduation to becoming a Doctor of Medicine was not always straightforward, each step equipped her with a unique combination of skills and perspectives that will enable her to excel as a physician while bridging the fields of medicine and mathematics.
For graduating high school students, Hope offers this advice: “It’s never too late to change your mind or figure out what you want to do. You don’t have to lock yourself into one thing forever. Just keep an open mind with building your community… Say yes to as much as you can.” Her remarkable accomplishments demonstrate just how far a willingness to embrace new opportunities can take you. Hope’s journey serves as a lasting testament to the spirit of the William J. Sacco Community Award and the meaningful impact its recipients can have on their communities and professions.
Final Words of Wisdom
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Technology 4 Causes
The mission of Technology 4 Causes (T4C) is to support specialized assistance programs and charitable initiatives, expanding their positive impact through the multiplying powers of technology, networking, and collaboration.
The vision of Technology 4 Causes is to operate numerous Mentoring Programs, Technology Assistance Programs, Sports 4 Causes Programs, and Helping Hubs. The combination of these initiatives creates a powerful multiplying effect for all T4C activities powered by a common technology platform and philanthropic infrastructure.
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Transformation Guild
The Transformation Guild is a mentoring program of Technology 4 Causes, which was launched by the Kutcher Foundation in collaboration with DICORP, Inc. to create a powerful philanthropic impact through the multiplying forces of technology. The Guild is dedicated to harnessing the power of writing and technology to create a positive impact in society. Our primary focus is to engage and inspire young writers to craft compelling stories that encourage involvement in non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives. By providing guidance and instruction through mentorship, we ensure that these young writers receive the necessary support to thrive. Through participation in this program, they gain invaluable experience while contributing to a greater cause.
All landing pages identified as "Delivered By" the Transformation Guild have been created by student interns participating in the Guild, giving them the opportunity to strengthen their professional writing and technology skills while making a meaningful, positive impact in their communities.