Written by The Salmon Staff
Inspired by the kindness legacy of Fred Rogers, this year’s 143 Day celebration in the Shaler Area School District will once again shine a spotlight on those who make a difference by honoring organizations that have made a lasting impact on the community.
Attendees at the 5th annual celebration on Thursday, May 21 at Shaler Area High School will witness a special ceremony honoring two impactful organizations with Upstander Awards: the Dalton Bacco “Living the Dream” Foundation and the Shaler Area Backpack Initiative, both recognized for their commitment to service and their meaningful contributions to the Shaler Area community.
The Dalton Bacco Living the Dream Foundation was created by Frank and Kerri Bacco in memory of their son, Dalton, a young man known for his kindness and generosity. After being adopted as a teenager, Dalton often said he was “just living the dream,” a phrase that reflected his gratitude for his life and family. Known for his compassion and willingness to help others, he often put others first, even giving away his own belongings to those in need.
After Dalton’s passing in 2017, his parents established the foundation to continue his legacy. Through their work, they mentor children in foster care across Allegheny and Mercer counties, providing support, guidance, and opportunities to experience everyday joys such as sporting events, movies, and community outings. They also offer scholarships and help prepare youth for life after foster care. Since 2017, the foundation has supported dozens of children, continuing Dalton’s mission of helping others “live the dream.”
The Shaler Area Backpack Initiative was established in 2014 by SAMS teachers Shelley West and Melissa Matlock to support students facing food insecurity. Each Friday, participating students receive bags filled with child-friendly, single-serving snacks and easy-to-prepare meals to help them through the weekend. The program now serves between 200 and 250 children and continues to grow, including efforts to develop a pantry of food and hygiene items for middle and high school students.
Funded entirely through community donations and local businesses, the initiative is sustained by a dedicated group of retired Shaler Area teachers—most notably Luann McMillan, Lynn Henninger, Tom Fisher, and Mary Lou Torchia—who continue to coordinate donations and support families. Because of that ongoing support, the program has been able to grow and reach even more students over time.
In 2017, the Backpack Initiative was awarded a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant after a successful community voting campaign. Selected from nearly 2,000 applicants as one of 40 winners—and the only nonprofit in Pennsylvania to receive the award—it has since used those funds to expand access to healthier food options for students.
The Upstander Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the district’s annual kindness event, which continues to promote a culture of empathy, service, and connection.
Presented by the Shaler Area Light Foundation and student leadership groups, the Upstander Award honors individuals and organizations that bring people together through kindness, positivity, and a lasting commitment to making a difference—continuing a tradition that reflects the spirit of compassion at the heart of 143 Day.
The inaugural Upstander Awards were presented in 2025, honoring Ms. Melissa McConville, former 8th Grade Mathematics Teacher, retired School Resource Officer Frank Spiker, and Ms. Ingrid Kalchthaler, longtime Community Librarian at the Shaler North Hills Library—known to many as Ms. Ing—for their dedication to kindness, service, and support of students and families across the district.
