Victoria Leigh Soto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Victoria Leigh Soto
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Soto in March 2012
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| Born | November 4, 1985 Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Died | December 14, 2012 (aged 27) Newtown, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds |
| Resting place | Union Cemetery Stratford Fairfield County, Connecticut |
| Occupation | Teacher |
| Known for | Defender during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting |
| Awards | Presidential Citizen's Medal (2013; awarded posthumously) |
Victoria Leigh Soto (born November 4, 1985 – died December 14, 2012) was an American teacher. She was killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. When a gunman entered the school, she quickly hid her students in her classroom.
When the gunman came into her room, Ms. Soto bravely told him the children were in the gym. She was shot while trying to protect her students with her body. Many people see her as a hero for her actions. She received the Presidential Citizens Medal after she passed away.
After her death, many plans were made to honor her. These included scholarships, roads, and schools named after her. A school in Stratford, Connecticut, was named for Soto and opened in 2015. The city of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, where her father was born, also plans to name a public building after her.
Victoria's Early Life
Victoria Soto was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her father, Carlos Soto, was from Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Her mother, Donna Fagan-Soto, had Irish-American family.
Her father worked for the state's transportation department. Her mother was a nurse at a hospital. Her family later moved to Stratford, Connecticut. Victoria graduated from Stratford High School in 2003.
She went to Eastern Connecticut State University. In 2008, she earned degrees in education and history. She then continued her studies at Southern Connecticut State University.
A Day of Tragedy
On December 14, 2012, Ms. Soto was teaching her first-grade class. This was at Sandy Hook Elementary School. A gunman, Adam Lanza, entered the school and began shooting.
After attacking another classroom, Lanza entered Ms. Soto's room. Ms. Soto had hidden several children in a closet. She told the gunman the children were not there. She said they were in the school gym.
When some children ran from their hiding places, the gunman started shooting. Ms. Soto was shot while trying to shield them. A photo of her sister waiting for news became very famous. It showed the sadness of that day.
Saying Goodbye
A special service was held for Victoria Soto on December 15. Her funeral took place on December 19. It was held at the Lordship Community Church.
The famous musician Paul Simon performed at the funeral. He sang his song "The Sound of Silence". On December 20, she was buried at Union Cemetery in Stratford. Police officers saluted her hearse as it passed.
How Victoria is Remembered
Many things have been done to remember Victoria Soto. In 2012, Eastern Connecticut State University started a scholarship fund. It helps students who want to become teachers.
The town of Stratford also renamed a street "Victoria Soto Way" in 2012. It is next to the town hall.
Her high school class of 2003 created a memorial fund. This fund helped with her funeral costs. It also created a memorial at Stratford High School. A scholarship fund was also set up in her name.
In 2013, Acero Victoria Soto High School opened in Chicago, Illinois. This is a public charter school for grades 9-12.
On February 15, 2013, Victoria Soto received a special award. She and five other adults killed that day were given the Presidential Citizens Medal. This medal honors Americans who do great service for their country. It is the second-highest award a civilian can receive. President Barack Obama gave the medal to her family.
The Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters group also created an award. It is called the "Victoria Soto Volunteer Award." Victoria was a mentor for this group.
In June 2013, a playground in Stratford was named after her. It is called the "Victoria Soto Memorial Playground."
In 2015, Victoria Soto Elementary School opened in Stratford. This school teaches students from pre-kindergarten to second grade.
The city of Bridgeport holds an annual "Vicki Soto 5K" race.
See also
- List of Irish Americans
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican Presidential Citizens Medal recipients
