Dr. McConnell

I am honored to speak today about Reid Sacco who I have know since he first entered the KBIA program at Kennebunk Beach.  KBIA is a non-profit summer enrichment program encompassing 48 programs, 600 students, 300 members, and some 90 staff members.  Reid entered that program some 15 years ago, and participated in many programs, but swimming and sailing were his favorites and he excelled in both.

            Reid was an excellent student, so excellent that he later became a full staff member at the waterfront with his good friend Captain Eric Unterborn, who was his mentor and loved Reid like a son.  The Captain and his staff talked with me at length about Reid’s contribution to our young children, and his courage and contentment during these past two years.  We all admired that courage and his willingness to “fight the good fight”.  We talked about it often.

KBIA aims to create a learning environment in which students, parents, and staff have fun and are always respectful and kind.  Reid was the epitome of this mission statement and Lorraine, Gene, and Weston reinforced that every time they stepped onto the campus at Lord’s Point.  To borrow a phrase from Rotary, the Sacco family is an example of “Service Before Self”.

Reid returned to KBIA last June, after treatments, to work at the waterfront with the same enthusiasm, commitment, and work ethic that he had displayed the summers before, despite the adversity he was facing.  As Executive Director, I   was concerned with his health, and spoke to him one day as he helped to lift a Laser sailboat from the water.  Reid quickly assured me that he was fine, and not to worry, saying, “Doc.  I’m OK.  Look, my hair is growing back!”  We chatted and had a great talk.  I understood.  He taught me something that day that  I will always carry with me:  Faith and Courage.  I even said, “You’re supposed to stay out of the sun.  Feel free to help us in the office.”  He politely said, “OK.  I will think about it.”  He never came in.  I understood.  He loved the waterfront, the kids, the interactions, and the instruction.  I  could tell by his wonderful non-verbals.

I watched from a distance during July, and again learned from his quiet and steady presence.  I’ve spent 40-plus years in education as a high school principal,  university professor, and headmaster.  I’ve been associated with thousands of students.  If I had to pick a top five, Reid Sacco would be right there on that list.  If my three grandchildren reach the same standards Reid set for himself, I will be most pleased and satisfied.

The Sacco family is the type of family that makes KBIA unique.  Lorraine, Gene, and Weston, on behalf of the officers and membership, our love goes out to you.

Please know that Reid’s presence will be felt this summer, particularly at the Olympic Sailing Trials in mid-July.  Captain Eric will make sure that the words Courage, Commitment, Goals, Work Ethic, Steady-quiet Presence, Fun, Kindness, and Respect will be an emphasis for all to follow in Reid’s memory.  Captain Eric is already planning.

I end with a short poem by Edgar A. Guest.  Please think of Reid as a recite it.  This poem had meaning for me as I thought of Reid.

DUTY

By Edgar A. Guest

To do your little bit of toil

To play life’s game with head erect;

To stoop to nothing that would soil

Your honor or your self-respect;

To win what gold and fame you can,

But first to be a man.

To know the bitter and the sweet,

The sunshine and the days of rain;

To meet both victory and defeat,

Nor boast  too loudly or complain;

To face whatever fate befall

And a man throughout it all.

To seek success in honest strife,

But not to value it so much

That, winning it, you go through life

Stained by dishonor’s scarlet touch,

What goal or dream you chose to pursue,

But a man whatever you do!

God Bless you Reid, and the entire Sacco Family.