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Portraits: Sandy Hook Children and Teachers
Portraits - Sandy Hook Children
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Portrait Gallery
Allison Wyatt
Catherine Hubbard
Allison Wyatt
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Frances Galante
Allison was a sweet, funny, intelligent little girl. A first-grader at Sandy Hook Elementary school who covered her walls at home with drawings. Allison delighted in showing people how much she cared. "She would often surprise us with random acts of ki
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Frances Galante
Allison was a sweet, funny, intelligent little girl. A first-grader at Sandy Hook Elementary school who covered her walls at home with drawings. Allison delighted in showing people how much she cared. "She would often surprise us with random acts of kindness - once even offering her snacks to a complete stranger on a plane." her heartbroken parents said. "Allison made the world a better place for six far too short years. Our world is a lot darker now that she's gone."
Daniel Barden
Catherine Hubbard
Allison Wyatt
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Jennifer Polillo
Daniel loved spending time with his family. Most days Daniel the "Maniel" as his father Mark liked to call him, arrived at the school bus atop Mark's shoulders. It was the perfect perch for a boy had a "fearless pursuit of happiness and life," accord
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Jennifer Polillo
Daniel loved spending time with his family. Most days Daniel the "Maniel" as his father Mark liked to call him, arrived at the school bus atop Mark's shoulders. It was the perfect perch for a boy had a "fearless pursuit of happiness and life," according to his parents.
Daniel was passionate about swimming, soccer and football. He also loved s'mores and drumming in a family band with his older brother James and sister Natalie, all following in the footsteps of their musician dad.
"Words cannot really express what a special boy Daniel was. Such a light. Always smiling, unfailingly polite, incredibly affectionate, fair, and so thoughtful toward others, imaginative in play, both intelligent and articulate in conversation: in all, a constant source of laughter and joy,” his family said.
Catherine Hubbard
Catherine Hubbard
Ana Marquez Greene
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Lisa Gleim
Catherine had developed a love of all things cuddly: puppies, kittens and other furry creatures. She spent her summers playing with bugs and butterflies in her backyard. And she kept a loving eye on her 14 year old Labrador, Sammy. Her dream was to open an
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Lisa Gleim
Catherine had developed a love of all things cuddly: puppies, kittens and other furry creatures. She spent her summers playing with bugs and butterflies in her backyard. And she kept a loving eye on her 14 year old Labrador, Sammy. Her dream was to open an animal shelter. She even created her own business cards.
Since Catherine’s death, her family is planning a state-of-art animal sanctuary in Newtown in her honor. The center will feature a dog and cat adoption area, a farm animal rescue, a wildlife rehab center, a learning center, a butterfly garden and a gallery of Catherine’s artwork. Her mother stated: “to be able to work on the sanctuary helps me remember all the great times.”
Ana Marquez Greene
Ana Marquez Greene
Ana Marquez Greene
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Janis Pinkston
Ana was a curly haired girl with a big voice. She loved dancing and singing with her brother Isaiah,9, who also attended Sandy Hook but escaped injury. The musical family - including mom Nelba and dad Jimmy, a jazz musician, composer and professor at W
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Janis Pinkston
Ana was a curly haired girl with a big voice. She loved dancing and singing with her brother Isaiah,9, who also attended Sandy Hook but escaped injury. The musical family - including mom Nelba and dad Jimmy, a jazz musician, composer and professor at Western Connecticut State University - had recently moved from Canada for his new job.
Benjamin Wheeler
Ana Marquez Greene
Benjamin Wheeler
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Denise Sedor
When Ben was a baby, his parents left Queens for Newtown, Connecticut "We wanted somewhere quiet," his mom said.
Ben was an irrepressibly bright and spirited boy whose love of fun and excitement at the wonders of life and the world could barely be contained.
His rush to experience li
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Denise Sedor
When Ben was a baby, his parents left Queens for Newtown, Connecticut "We wanted somewhere quiet," his mom said.
Ben was an irrepressibly bright and spirited boy whose love of fun and excitement at the wonders of life and the world could barely be contained.
His rush to experience life was headlong, creative and immediate. Quick to smile, quick to laugh, eyes sparkling always with his love of everything (and a good deal of mischief) he was an energetic spirit who filled lives with a delightful noise.
He was a devoted fan of his older brother, Nate, and the two of them filled the house with noise and excitement. Before school on Friday, Ben had told his mother he still wanted to be an architect but also wanted to be a paleontologist. Because that is what Nate is going to be, and I want to do everything Nate does. Ben was an irrepressible young boy who dreamed of being an architect, a paleantologist and a lighthouse keeper all at once.
Eager to learn, he could not wait to get to school to see his teacher and his growing group of friends. Ben loved soccer, smiling and laughing as he moved the ball, nearly always at full tilt. He was becoming a strong swimmer and loved his lessons.
Ben's Lighthouse was founded in his memory and to honor the "light" of all who were lost that day. Ben’s Lighthouse fosters all children’s potential to build a more compassionate and connected world. Like a lighthouse, their purpose is to guide and protect, through programs that promote healing and coping, events that build and strengthen community, and outreach opportunities that empower and teach youth.
Madeleine Hsu
Ana Marquez Greene
Benjamin Wheeler
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Sheri Hansen
Madeleine was new to the neighborhood. She was a “shy little girl who always seemed to have a smile on her face” said her neighbor Joe Dryer. Her parents Donna Arnold and John Hsu, describe their first grade daughter as “sweet, unique, bright, sparkling and determined…she was a born leader.”
Chase Kowalski
Caroline Previdi
Chase Kowalski
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Georganna Lenssen
Chase enjoyed sports. He loved playing baseball with his dad, riding his bicycle, and just being outside. Chase was a runner who finished his first triathlon at age 6. He was always in motion and always smiling. He was a fun-loving energetic boy wi
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Georganna Lenssen
Chase enjoyed sports. He loved playing baseball with his dad, riding his bicycle, and just being outside. Chase was a runner who finished his first triathlon at age 6. He was always in motion and always smiling. He was a fun-loving energetic boy with a true love of life.
He had just lost his front teeth and told his neighbor he wanted them back.
His family recalled him as an “amazing son, brother and grandson whose heart was only filled with love for all the people he touched. “We are thankful to the Lord for giving us seven years with our beautiful, loving son,” the family wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we return him to our Lord.”
Dylan Hockley
Caroline Previdi
Chase Kowalski
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Stefanie Lieberman
Dylan’s beautiful eyes and dimpled grin won hearts instantly. Born in the United Kingdom, he moved with his family to Newtown in 2011 and adjusted to life in America seamlessly. He relished in afternoons on the trampoline with his other brother Jake
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Stefanie Lieberman
Dylan’s beautiful eyes and dimpled grin won hearts instantly. Born in the United Kingdom, he moved with his family to Newtown in 2011 and adjusted to life in America seamlessly. He relished in afternoons on the trampoline with his other brother Jake. He had a laugh that “was the sweetest music,” say parents Ian and Nicole. “We will always be a family of four.”
He was murdered senselessly in a school shooting along with 19 other children and 6 adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Caroline Previdi
Caroline Previdi
Caroline Previdi
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Denise Sedor
Caroline was a "bouncy kid" who loved soccer, but was also creative. She wanted a camera for Christmas so she could take pictures of everybody. She was a very caring girl. Last Christmas she broke open her piggy bank so that she could buy toys for needy kids.
Charlotte Bacon
Charlotte Bacon
Caroline Previdi
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Mary Katz
Charlotte never met an animal she didn’t love and from the age of 2 she had wanted to be a veterinarian. The energetic redhead practiced tae kwon do weekly with her father and brother and “relished kicking the throwing punched!” her family said.
Her family
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Mary Katz
Charlotte never met an animal she didn’t love and from the age of 2 she had wanted to be a veterinarian. The energetic redhead practiced tae kwon do weekly with her father and brother and “relished kicking the throwing punched!” her family said.
Her family will forever remember her beautiful smile and her energy for life. Her family said Charlotte had “left a place in her entire family’s hearts that will never be replaced.”
Emilie Parker
Charlotte Bacon
Emilie Parker
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Maribel Danta
Emilie was a passionate young artist who alway carried around her markers and pencils so she could draw or make a card for those around her. A role model for her younger sisters, ages 3 and 4, Emilie delighted in teaching them how to read, dance and fin
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Maribel Danta
Emilie was a passionate young artist who alway carried around her markers and pencils so she could draw or make a card for those around her. A role model for her younger sisters, ages 3 and 4, Emilie delighted in teaching them how to read, dance and find the simple joys in life. They looked to her when they needed comfort. When one would fall, they would run to Emilie to get support and hugs and kisses
Noah Pozner
Charlotte Bacon
Emilie Parker
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Mark Heid
Noah loved building Legos, throwing water balloons and having pretend sword fights.
Noah was “smart as a whip” loved to read and figure out how things worked. He was gentle, but could be “a force to be reckoned with”, reported his aunt. “He was a really live
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Mark Heid
Noah loved building Legos, throwing water balloons and having pretend sword fights.
Noah was “smart as a whip” loved to read and figure out how things worked. He was gentle, but could be “a force to be reckoned with”, reported his aunt. “He was a really lively, smart kid. He would have become a great man,” said his uncle.
Noah was a victim of the tragic events of December 14, 20112 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. had just celebrated his 6th birthday and was best friends with his twin sister Arielle. “They were always playing together, they loved to do things together”, said Noah’s uncle. His parents had just moved to Newtown from Brooklyn with his 2 sisters, Danielle and Sophia and brother Michael for the schools. Remembering their “beautiful boy” brings comfort to the family.
Portrait Gallery
Grace McDonnell
Grace McDonnell
Grace McDonnell
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Stephanie Cohen
Grace McDonnell was a gentle soul who was the "love and light" of her family. Their daughter was the center of their lives and was always smiling.
Grace used to love playing dress-up with her grandmother's jewelry. She also loved joining her mom in th
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Painted by Stephanie Cohen
Grace McDonnell was a gentle soul who was the "love and light" of her family. Their daughter was the center of their lives and was always smiling.
Grace used to love playing dress-up with her grandmother's jewelry. She also loved joining her mom in the kitchen. They would make a lot of cookies. Grace loved soccer, gymnastics and playing with her dog, Puddin.
Grace had a passion for painting. She made the world just a little more beautiful, every time she picked up a paint brush. Her work was whimsical and bursting with color. Her art reflected the way she lived her life, with joy. She dreamed of becoming a painter. At just 7 years old, Grace had a plan for her life. Her dream was to become a painter and live on Martha's Vineyard.
Grace was one of 20 children who lost their lives that day in Newtown. A fund has been established in Grace's name, through the Fairfield County Community Foundation. The McDonnell's plan to establish scholarships to help other artists follow their dreams.
Avielle Richman
Grace McDonnell
Grace McDonnell
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Joann Neufeld
Avielle was born in California into a family of story tellers. With a spitfire personality, and a love of laughter, Avielle was rarely without a giant grin, and was often barefoot. Like her parents, she loved stories and demanded them as she fell asleep, took a bath, rode in the car,
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Joann Neufeld
Avielle was born in California into a family of story tellers. With a spitfire personality, and a love of laughter, Avielle was rarely without a giant grin, and was often barefoot. Like her parents, she loved stories and demanded them as she fell asleep, took a bath, rode in the car, and on every walk she took.
She had a grand spirit of adventure and was willing to bravely try new things. When she moved across the country to Newtown in late January 2011, Avielle was excited to play in the snow, and quickly became a fearless sledder. She loved Barbies as much as superheroes, and would switch between fairy and pixie play – all with her faithful sidekick, super-dog Max. She loved playing with her dolls as much as practicing archery in the yard, and was happy to go from a kung fu workout with dad to a cooking lesson with mom. Avielle loved music and would sing everything.
Avielle was a connoisseur of parks and playgrounds, played soccer and went to summer sport camp (where she was the only girl to enroll), painted and sketched, ran and hiked, enjoyed fishing, and — perhaps most of all — loved riding horses and swimming. She also loved the magic of fireflies and all things that glowed.
Avielle had a strong sense of justice and fairness and was a steadfast friend and advocate for anyone she thought in need. She loved school and was proud to be part of the school community. Avielle was murdered with 19 of her classmates and 6 of her teachers and administrators on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, CT. Her family's heartbreak and sadness are unfathomable. They started the Avielle Foundation to fund research exploring the underpinnings of the brain that lead to violent behaviors, and to foster the engagement of communities to apply these insights.
Jack Pinto
Grace McDonnell
Jessica Rekos
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Linda Sindato
Jack was a sweet, loving and active six-year old boy who enjoyed playing all kinds of sports, but most of all loved having fun and being with other kids. He was on the town's wrestling team and loved the New York Giants. From the moment Jack arrived in this world, he commanded all
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Linda Sindato
Jack was a sweet, loving and active six-year old boy who enjoyed playing all kinds of sports, but most of all loved having fun and being with other kids. He was on the town's wrestling team and loved the New York Giants. From the moment Jack arrived in this world, he commanded all the attention in the room. Who could ignore that beautiful energy and the sparkle in his eye?
Jack had a "lively and giving spirit and steely determination. In life and death, Jack will forever be remembered for the immeasurable joy he brought to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, a joy whose wide reach belied his six short years.
Jack especially loved Giants' wide receiver Victor Cruz, who has said "I am going to do whatever I can to honor Jack. "There's no words to describe the type of feeling that you get when a kid idolizes you so much that unfortunately they want to put him in the casket with your jersey on." Cruz said.
Jack Pinto lost his life in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy on December 14, 2012. His parents, Dean and Tricia Pinto, are committed to honoring Jack’s short life by helping make a difference in the lives of other children across the country. Donations to Jack's Charitable Gift fund are presented to The KIDS in the GAME, honoring Jack by giving underprivileged youth in America a chance to live an active, healthy, happy life through sports and play.
Jessica Rekos
Jessica Rekos
Jessica Rekos
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Mary Lu Hodges
Jessica Rekos was a beautiful 6-year-old who made her family laugh every day. She was smart, quick-witted, and compassionate. She was a natural leader - always teaching and helping others in her class, her neighborhood, and her family. Jessica was busy learning her multiplication
6 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Mary Lu Hodges
Jessica Rekos was a beautiful 6-year-old who made her family laugh every day. She was smart, quick-witted, and compassionate. She was a natural leader - always teaching and helping others in her class, her neighborhood, and her family. Jessica was busy learning her multiplication tables, teaching herself about Orca whales, watching movies about horses, writing in her journal, reading about whales, horses, and fairies, caring for her fish Betty, and playing with her little brothers as she looked forward to Christmas. She had asked Santa for a new cowgirl hat and cowgirl boots. Jessica started taking horseback riding lessons at age 5, and told her family that she was going to "ride forever."
Jessica watched the movie "Free Willy" with her Nana when she was 5. This sparked an immense love for whales and specifically, Orca whales. They bought books about whales that Jessica stacked on her nightstand, reading a little bit of each one at a time. She would watch Free Willy movies over and over. As soon as she heard a fact about an Orca, she would pause the movie and write the fact in her notebook. She called this her "whale research."
Jessica's mom talked about their final morning together - "As her school bus approached our bus stop on the morning of December 14th, Jessica and I were discussing how to sell Girl Scout Cookies. Jessica hopped out of the car as the bus approached and excitedly walked up the bus steps. She sat in the front seat, looked at me through the window, and smiled and waved as the bus pulled up the hill. That was the last time I saw Jessica alive. Less than 45 minutes later, her life was taken at Sandy Hook School."
The Jessica Rekos Foundation was to create and fund programs and events that will allow others to experience Jessica's passions - her love of horses and her whale "research." Additionally, they will support school security efforts to protect children like Jessica and her classmates.
Josephine Gay
Jessica Rekos
Josephine Gay
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Shaku
Joey turned 7 three days prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy and was looking forward to celebrating at her birthday party with many friends.
Her family wants people to know what a special person she was and how she inspired everyone she met. Joey was autistic and severely apraxic. She could not
7 years old
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Shaku
Joey turned 7 three days prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy and was looking forward to celebrating at her birthday party with many friends.
Her family wants people to know what a special person she was and how she inspired everyone she met. Joey was autistic and severely apraxic. She could not speak, yet she touched the lives of so many around her - her teachers, therapists, friends, and neighbors - all loved and cherished her. Joey was social and affectionate; she smiled, she loved hugs, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. Her spirit was indomitable. She participated in rigorous therapy and treatment on a daily basis without complaint. She loved to play with her Barbie dolls, iPad, and computer, swim, swing, and be anywhere her sisters were.
Her family will not let this tragedy define her life. Instead, they will honor her inspiring and generous spirit. Joey’s Fund was established in her name through the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. It’s their way of dealing with this pain and never letting go of her love. The proceeds of this fund will help families raising autistic children. www.flutiefoundation.org
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Jessica Rekos
Josephine Gay
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Anne Marie Murphy
Anne Marie Murphy
Anne Marie Murphy
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Victoria Soto
Anne Marie Murphy
Anne Marie Murphy
Teacher, Sandy Hook Elementary School
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Joann Neufeld
First grade teacher Victoria Soto loved teaching reading, writing and math to her students in Classroom 10 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She was a vibrant woman who loved the kids. That love and her quick thinking saved many students' lives.
On December
Teacher, Sandy Hook Elementary School
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Joann Neufeld
First grade teacher Victoria Soto loved teaching reading, writing and math to her students in Classroom 10 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She was a vibrant woman who loved the kids. That love and her quick thinking saved many students' lives.
On December 14, 2012, Victoria was teaching her first grade class at Sandy Hook Elementary School. When the shooter entered her classroom, Victoria had hidden several children in a closet and told him they were in the auditorium. When several children ran from their hiding places, the shooter began shooting at them. Victoria was shot after she threw herself in front of her first grade students."It doesn't surprise me at all that Ms. Soto would give her life for the children" said one of the parents.
Eastern Connecticut State University created the Victoria Leigh Soto Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund, for students who aspire to become teachers.The City of Bayamón, Puerto Rico is planning to name a public facility after Soto,whose paternal family was originally from Puerto Rico's second-most populous city.
In February 2013, Victoria and the other five adult teachers and administrators who were killed were posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal. The medal honors Americans who have performed “exemplary deeds of service” for their country or fellow citizens. The medal is commonly recognized as the government's second-highest civilian award and was presented to the families of the victims by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony.
Lauren Rousseau
Anne Marie Murphy
Lauren Rousseau
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Rachel D'Avino
Rachel D'Avino
Lauren Rousseau
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Mary Sherlach
Rachel D'Avino
Mary Sherlach
School Psychologist
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Stephanie Hoffman
Mary Sherlach was one year away from retirement. The veteran school psychologist was looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Bill, in a cabin on a lake in upstate New York. She was in her 18th year at Sandy Hook Elementary Schoo
School Psychologist
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Newtown, Connecticut
Painted by Stephanie Hoffman
Mary Sherlach was one year away from retirement. The veteran school psychologist was looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Bill, in a cabin on a lake in upstate New York. She was in her 18th year at Sandy Hook Elementary School and she absolutely loved her school. Even as Mary neared retirement, her job at Sandy Hook was one she loved. Those who knew her called her a wonderful neighbor, a beautiful person, a dedicated educator.
Mary was the most senior member of the staff and felt as though all the precious children in that building were her own flesh and blood. When danger appeared on the morning of Dec. 14, she acted as a mother. She put herself in harm's way and helped to slow an unimaginable evil that had been unleashed on her kids and colleagues.
When the shots rang out, Mary and the school's principal ran toward the shooter and threw themselves into the danger. They lost their own lives, rushing toward him.
Mary's Fund was established in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School psychologist Mary Sherlach to support mental health services for children and teens throughout Fairfield County
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Rachel D'Avino
Mary Sherlach
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