New Stratford School to Be Named After Victoria Soto

A new building at a primary school will be named after the slain teacher.

A proposal to name a Stratford school after a teacher killed in the Newtown school shootings passed unanimously at a Stratford town council meeting on Monday night.

A new building at a primary school will be named after Victoria Soto, a 27-year-old teacher from Stratford who died while trying to shield her students from the gunman.

Vicki's sister, Jillian, attended the meeting with some family members and said it feels as though her sister is on an extended vacation.

"This doesn't surprise me in any way that she was a hero in this tragedy. ... It's a great feeling to know that her name will still be alive in this town and people will never be able to forget who Victoria Soto is," Jillian said.

Twenty children and six staff members were shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14.

"In the days since the tragedy in Sandy Hook, the stories of bravery and heroism by Stratford's own Victoria Soto have been both heart-wrenching and abundant," Mayor John Harkins said in a statement. "She gave her life protecting children, and we must make sure her sacrifice is never forgotten. Over the last couple of weeks, I have met with Victoria's family and discussed how the town can recognize her in a meaningful and appropriate way. Her family has shown amazing strength and resilience in remembering and honoring Victoria's life."

A new school building has already been approved for the site of the Honeyspot Elementary School and construction is scheduled to begin over the summer.

The mayor also is hoping to build a memorial to Soto and a petition has been started to rename a local street after her.

Soto graduated from Stratford High School in 2003.

There is also a suggestion to change the name of North Parade Way, which runs in front of Stratford High School, to Victoria Soto Way.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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