Victoria Soto

Adrienne Lundy
Public Speaking 1110
Special Occasion Speech

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (Jn. 15:13). On December 14, 2012, a young teacher lost her life trying to protect innocent children. She is a brave heroine who touched many lives and her kindness will live on through her legacy.
On this tragic day, gunman Adam Lanza forced his way into Shady Brook Elementary School. He began to shoot students and staff. After killing 15 students and two teachers in the first classroom, he entered the classroom of 27 year old Victoria Soto. Soto, knowing that their life was in danger, had already hidden her sixteen students in a closet. When the gunman burst in, Soto lied and told him that her students were in the gymnasium. As a result, she lost her life to protect the lives of her kids. Vicki is the named that she was called by the many people who loved her. She gave five years of her life to the Shady Brook Elementary School. Molding young minds was her priority, but being the “fun” teacher was the most important part of her life. She loved her kids and wanted the best for them, teaching them something new every day. Her colleagues adored her and described her as a diamond in the rough.(metaphor). We really don’t know a lot about her, but to know that she cared for those kids more than she cared for herself speaks volumes of her character, commitment, and dedication. Her friends and family describes her as having a heart as pure as gold. (Simile). According to her sister, she was such a sweet and compassionate person; the school would smile whenever she pulled up.(personification). Soto left behind so many memories and she will always be in the hearts of the ones who loved her. Several dedications were made in her memory. The Victoria Soto endowed memorial scholarship fund was created following her death. This fund is awarded to the students who aspire to become teachers. In January 2013, the mayor of Stratford proposed naming a local school The Victoria Soto Elementary School. A public facility in Puerto Rico, which is where her dad was born, will carry her name as well. Soto and Five other teachers who lost their lives in the shooting were post humously awarded the Presidential Citizen Award at a special ceremony in remembrance. The award honors Americans who performed outstanding deeds of service. The class of 2003 at Stratford High School, in which Soto was a part of, established the Victoria L. Soto memorial fund in her honor. It will be used to create a memorial at the high school. There is also a Victoria Soto volunteer award coming from her nutmeg membership. This award is given to volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Victoria will be remembered as an amazing sister, cousin, teacher, and friend who died protecting who she valued most, her kids. Her story made me look at life in a whole new prospective. It’s not all about us; we have to think about others around us. We should also be prepared to make brave decisions and choices because we are not the only ones who will be affected. She will forever be a brave heroine in my heart