Twelve years after the shooting at Sandy Hook, programs honoring the memory of first grade teacher Vicki Soto remain strong.
Soto, 27, died protecting her students. She was one of six educators killed with 20 first graders in one of the worst shootings in U.S. history.
Every year since, the History department at Soto’s alma mater, Eastern Connecticut State University, has presented the Victoria Leigh Soto Memorial Scholarship to an aspiring teacher.
“After her death, one of our faculty members who had mentored her established the Victoria Soto award,” says Dr. Caitlin Carenen, Chair of History at Eastern, “to go to an outstanding double history/education major whose focus is on elementary education, as a way of honoring Vicki’s absolute dedication to education and to children.”
“The word has gotten out among history majors that this is the most prestigious award that you can win in our department.”
Carenen says you can support the scholarship fund by contacting Institutional Advancement at Eastern Connecticut State.
Separately, the Soto family operates a nonprofit memorial fund, with a mission to “encourage a love of education by supporting teacher led initiatives and educator driven programs.” It also funds scholarships for future teachers. There’s more information at teamvickisoto.com.