Harford County Education Foundation established the Excellence in Education Award to honor and to celebrate individuals for their positive impact in support of Harford County Public Schools and the advancement of academic success in our youth.
During the Excellence in Education Showcase & Awards Breakfast held at Water’s Edge Events Center on October 14, 2022, three community leaders were presented the Excellence in Education Awards were presented in the following categories
Outstanding Achievement Award: Presented to an alumnus who has made significant impact in their field benefitting student achievement in Harford County Public Schools.
Education Achievement Award: Presented to an alumnus who dedicated their career to public education as a Harford County Public Schools district or school administrator.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to a person who demonstrated a commitment to improving public education in Harford County Public Schools through district involvement and service.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Judge William O. Carr
Throughout his career, Judge Carr has dedicated himself to the creation and improvement of services that strive to meet the safety, permanence and well being needs that must be felt by children and adults in order to be successful.
Examples include the Child Advocacy Center, Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, Truancy Court, Foster Care Court Improvement Project, Substance Exposed Newborn Strategic Workgroup, Family Visitation Center, and Family Court Services have all in common the visioning of Judge Carr and their implementation/operation guided by his leadership.
Judge Carr has always committed himself to improving the services that address the issues many parents face that create barriers to learning for their children. He is a “systems thinker” who encourages partnerships, open and effective communication, and a constant striving to be better than what we are. He is a man that cares and strives for excellence in what we can do for others.
Judge Carr is a graduate of Havre de Grace High School.
Education Achievement Award
Christopher Cook
Mr. Cook graduated from Fallston High School in 1987. After beginning his career in education in 1991 as a Physical Education teacher at Riverside Elementary School, he moved through multiple school leadership assignments and is currently the Principal at Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School.
Through his extensive leadership experiences, he has overseen several school renovations and is currently leading the renovation of Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School. Mr. Cook effectively communicates the project with parents, staff, and the community. In addition to his communications with staff and parents, Mr. Cook makes it his priority to know every child’s name in both buildings and sends birthday cards to each student in the school conveying they are valued. Mr. Cook does not shy away from student activities and you can find him “dressed up” and actively engaged in learning celebrations.
Mr. Cook is a person who deeply cares about the welfare and success of every child in his care and has served the students of Harford County Public Schools for 31 years.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. William B. Seccurro
Dr. Seccurro’s unwavering advocacy of vocational/technical education in Harford County, and, his impact on the students, teachers, and communities that served Harford Technical High School has earned him the title of “Father of Vocational/Technical Education” in Harford County. His staunch advocacy for the students who were not college bound but were intent on learning a trade to work serve as a precursor for the development of the skilled trades that we face today.
Dr. Seccurro developed pathways for skilled tradesmen in the private sector to earn their teaching credentials enabling them to return to Tech as instructors. He established the Trades Foundation, partnering with the business community to support the school by providing equipment, tools, training, and field experiences for students. He developed programs where students could construct actual structures in the covered courtyard, which now bears his name as an acknowledgement of his work. Dr. Seccurro continues his advocacy for students as a co-chair of the Harford County Public Schools North Star Committee for the Blueprint.
Nominations for the Excellence in Education Award can be submitted online at www.harfordeducation.org/harfordalumniaward. The deadline for nominations is August 4, 2023.
Learn more about Harford County Education Foundation at www.harfordeducation.org.
About Harford County Education Foundation
Founded in 2004, Harford County Education Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit education organization that removes barriers from learning by providing tools to compliment the learning and growth of the 37,000 youth in Harford County Public Schools. The Education Foundation works in partnership with the community to bring critical resources to help students succeed in their academic and personal goals through free school supplies for low income students, grants to support innovative and enriched classroom instruction, early literacy, digital technologies, opportunity funds, and celebrating the education profession with the community
