Administrators and teachers at Sandy Hook are being hailed for their heroism for saving the lives of the children before worrying about themselves. One of those teachers was 27-year-old Victoria Soto. Soto shielded her first grade students from harm when she hid them in a closet before the gunman entered her classroom. She was shot and killed. Zoraida Sambolin shares her story through the words of her family.
“Vicki Soto's family says the first grade teacher died doing what she loved, and spent her final moments protecting the children that meant the world to her,” Sambolin reports. Her sister, Jillian Soto, says, “There's kids now that will be able to say that they're here today because she sacrificed her life so they could live another day.”
Her mother Donna Soto says she is not surprised by her daughter's actions. “She was truly selfless. She would not hesitate to think to save anyone else before herself and especially children,” Donna says. “She loved them more than life and she would definitely put herself in front of them any day, any day and for any reason.”
My heart goes out to Vicky's family. I hope they find solace in knowing that she must be sitting by God's side, in a place of honor. Her selfless love for her fellow man saved many lives. I'm sure the parents of these children will carry her in their hearts and minds forever. Rest in peace. Descansa en paz, Vicky.