Prior to the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary, principal Dawn Hochsprung had already established herself as a leader and a well-loved member of her community by working to increase school security and connecting with her students and their families.
When a gunman forced his way into the school on the morning of Friday, December 14, 2012, Principal Hochsprung turned on the P.A. system to warn others of the danger and ran to the classroom where the shooting was taking place, lunging at the gunman, putting the safety of her students before her personal safety at the most crucial of moments.
The word 'hero' is, perhaps, used too frequently. But there is no better word to describe Ms. Hochsprung. She saved many lives. Her actions should not be forgotten. They should be commemorated.