Current:Home > NewsNewtown High graduates told to honor 20 classmates killed as first-graders ‘today and every day’ -Secure Growth Solutions
Newtown High graduates told to honor 20 classmates killed as first-graders ‘today and every day’
View
Date:2025-04-16 01:15:42
NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — It was an emotional graduation ceremony for high school seniors in Newtown, Connecticut, who observed a moment of silence for their 20 classmates who were shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Principal Kimberly Longobucco read the names of the first graders who were killed on Dec. 14, 2012 along with six educators as the class of 2024 and their families looked on Wednesday, Hearst Connecticut Media reported.
“We remember them for their bravery, their kindness and their spirit,” Longobucco said. “Let us strive to honor them today and every day.”
Newtown Schools Superintendent Chris Melillo told the 335 graduates, “Life is too short to do something that doesn’t ignite your soul — something that doesn’t fill you with purpose and meaning. Never settle for anything less than what sets your heart afire.”
About 60 of the Newtown High graduates attended Sandy Hook Elementary School and are survivors of one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
Wednesday’s graduation ceremony was closed to the media except for two local news organizations.
Sandy Hook survivors who spoke to The Associated Press in advance of their graduation said their fallen classmates were in their thoughts.
“I am definitely going be feeling a lot of mixed emotions,” said Emma Ehrens, 17. “I’m super excited to be, like, done with high school and moving on to the next chapter of my life. But I’m also so ... mournful, I guess, to have to be walking across that stage alone. … I like to think that they’ll be there with us and walking across that stage with us.”
Some Sandy Hook survivors have spoken of their community as a “bubble” protecting them from the outside world.
Class salutatorian Grace Chiriatti said during the ceremony that part of her wishes that things could stay the same because of the “level of comfort we have” as graduating seniors.
“Everything seems so perfect surrounded by people I love… it’s difficult to leave just as I have everything figured out,” Chiriatti said. “But by starting something new we don’t have to start over.”
veryGood! (935)
Related
- What polling shows about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ new running mate
- Drake Bell reflects on the aftermath of 'Quiet on Set' revelations: 'An emotional rollercoaster'
- Hoda Kotb Shares Update on 5-Year-Old Daughter Hope One Year After Health Scare
- 2 teams suing NASCAR ask court to allow them to compete under new charter agreement as case proceeds
- US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
- Ali Wong reveals how boyfriend Bill Hader's 'sweet' gesture sparked romance
- Supreme Court takes up death row case with a rare alliance. Oklahoma inmate has state’s support
- Wisconsin governor’s 400-year veto spurs challenge before state Supreme Court
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- From baby boomers to Gen Z, no one knows how to talk about sex. Here's why.
Ranking
- American news website Axios laying off dozens of employees
- Tropicana implosion in Las Vegas: After 67 years, Rat Pack-era Strip resort falls
- Dylan Guenther scores first goal in Utah Hockey Club history
- Why RHOSLC's Lisa Barlow Is Calling This Costar a F--king B--ch
- Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
- Not Sure How To Clean a Dishwasher or Washing Machine? These Pods are on Sale for $15 & Last a Whole Year
- Breaking the cycle: low-income parents gets lessons in financial planning
- Florida power outage map: Track where power is out as Hurricane Milton approaches landfall
Recommendation
Oklahoma parole board recommends governor spare the life of man on death row
Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Attorney Slams Piers Morgan Over Airing Diddy Comparisons in Interview
Michael Keaton Reveals Why He’s Dropping His Stage Name for His Real Name
Milton spinning up tornadoes as hurricane surges closer to Florida: Live updates
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Why RHOSLC's Lisa Barlow Is Calling This Costar a F--king B--ch
DJT stock is on a winning streak. But is Trump Media a risky investment?
A Georgia county official dies after giving testimony about a hazardous chemical plant fire