by Brenna Oricoli
Image via WFSB
Today marks three years since tragedy struck Sandy Hook, Connecticut. A small part of Newtown is now a town known worldwide for choosing love over fear and hatred.
But what has changed since December 14, 2012?
“Since then, there have been unfortunately multiple shootings whether they be in schools, hospitals, office buildings, public events and so on,” said Nicholas Carozza, a Quinnipiac University student from Newtown. “Whenever these awful events occur, people from Newtown offer their sincerest wishes and sympathy for the victims, their families, as well as anyone who was affected. Newtown’s grown stronger because we have been able to move on from the incident, but not forget those whom were involved.”
Playgrounds across the tri-state area have been built in memory of the 20 children and six staff members who were killed in the shooting. The playgrounds are named after the children with their pictures, a biography and a quote from them. The phrase “where angels play” is displayed on each sign.
A pre-kindergarten to second grade school in Stratford, Connecticut was created to honor Victoria Soto, a fallen teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Soto was hailed for her courageous acts when sacrificing her own life to protect her students from gunfire.
Races have been created to raise money to support families of those that have lost their children. Triathlons such as “Race 4 Chase” work to promote physical and emotional well-being. Teachers from Guilford, Connecticut also host a 26-mile run in honor of the 26 victims.
Since that dreaded day, families have welcomed new children while desperately holding on to the memory of those lost. Not to replace them, but to provide a new sense of happiness to the family. In 2014, Francine and David Wheeler welcomed a new baby boy, Matthew, after losing their son Benjamin in the tragedy.
However, from this turmoil and frustration that developed on December 14, 2012, the “26 random acts of kindness” movement was born. Actions range from paying for someone’s coffee, leaving a random compliment on someone’s car or getting a homeless person a meal.
“‘Think you can, work hard, act smart, be kind.’ That is Sandy Hook’s motto and now it’s our whole town’s.” said Aileen Sheluck, a student at Quinnipiac University. “Every December, we do the 26 days of kindness to remember all the people we lost. That is the main way we honor our angels, by working hard, acting smart, and being kind in their memory.”
Quinnipiac University men’s head soccer coach, Eric Da Costa, set up a fundraiser for the families called “Soccer Night in Newtown.” Professional soccer players such as Mia Hamm, Landon Donovan, Alexi Lalas and Christine Lilly were all in attendance.
Four fathers that lost their children in Newtown came to speak at Quinnipiac in 2014. The program sponsored by the Student Programing Board was called “Four Fathers, Four Journeys.”
Scarlett Lewis, a Newtown mother, came to Quinnipiac’s North Haven campus to share her experience of losing her son, Jesse in the attack. She emphasized choosing love over hate within the “Choose love movement.” Her motto is “nurturing, healing, love.”
From one of the most well-known shootings in world history, have come the most amazing amounts of love and support for the families of those affected. December 14, 2012 will not only a mark the day of a horrific tragedy, but also a day when love won over hate.
