Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
As we learn more about the tragedy that transpired on December 14th in Newtown, Connecticut we undoubtedly hear more stories of heroism. Bravery of teachers and administrators that sacrificed their life for the safety of their children. Earlier today I wrote about the heroic efforts of Kaitlin Roig. I wanted to share more stories that have emerged since then.
Victoria Soto, a 27 year-old 1st grade teacher, ushered her students into a closet upon hearing the gunfire. She safely ushered them into their hiding place as she shielding them from the gunfire. She was unable to save herself though. There have been conflicting reports as to how she died. One report states that when the gunman entered her classroom and asked her where her students were she lied and told him that they were at the gym. Without hesitation he shot her dead. Another story states that she was found dead cradling her students as she shielded them from bullets through the closet door. Either way Soto ultimately sacrificed her life for the children she so dearly loved. She is a hero. Soto had always wanted to be a teacher. She was excited to mold their young minds.
Dawn Hocksprung, the principal of Sandy Hook, and Mary Sherlach, the school psychologist, reportedly ran towards the gunman to knock him down and to shield the children running away. They died of their wounds. Hocksprung also reportedly turned on the PA system so that other teachers would immediately know what was going on. These are but only a few of the many brave individuals on that day. I wanted to make sure I honor their memory.
As I wrote in my initial post, I refuse to publicize the gunman’s name. My focus is on the victims of this tragedy. Not on the crazed assailant.
The following is a list of the 26 people who died that day:
Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Rachel Davino, 29
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Dawn Hocksprung, 47
Madeline Hsu, 6
Catherine Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Lauren Rousseau, 30
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Soto, 27
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison Wyatt, 6
It’s been over a day since the tragedy occurred and I still can’t come to grips with what has happened. I don’t have any children of my own. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my nieces and nephew. They are like my children. I cannot imagine the pain these families are going through.
I pray for them.
I pray that they know their angels have moved on to a better place. A safer place where they will once again be reunited.
And I pray that we remember the people who lost their life. Not the person who committed the crime. I don’t care about him.
