Heroism presents itself in many different ways, but there can be no doubt that the school's principal, psychologist, and four of the school's teachers and teachers' aides acted with extraordinary bravery. Dawn Hochsprung and Mary Sherlach rushed towards the sound of gunfire to confront the shooter. Meanwhile, teachers Lauren Rousseau and Victoria Soto died trying to protect their students, as did Anne Marie Murphy and Rachel D'Avino.
The bold and inspiring action of all of these fallen heroes should serve as an inspiration, not just to all Americans, but to people everywhere of the strength of good in the face of absolute terror. These six died going above and beyond the call for any private citizen. We believe that they are fully deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.