The world is still reeling from Friday's horrific massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. But as authorities slowly release more information as to what exactly happened on that terrible day, we are also learning of the incredible teachers that sacrificed their lives for the sake of their students.
The story of 27-year-old Latina Victoria Soto, a first-grader teacher at Sandy Hook, is one of the most heroic and heartwrenching to emerge from the tragedy. Soto reportedly hid her students in a closet and acted as a shield between her kids and the shooter. She died following her instincts to bravely protect the students she so adored.
Her story has resonated with millions of people who have taken to social media to urge others to tell others of her incredibly selfless final act. Today, we're also paying tribute to her by adding her name to a list of amazing Latino heroes who have also touched our heart with their tales of courage:
Image via Handout
Susana Trimarco
After her then 23-year-old daughter was abducted and forced into sex slavery, 58-year-old Susana Trimarco took on the cause for herself. She has rescued hundreds of women from Argentine prostitution rings and won numerous honors for her dedication to rescuing sex slaves and helping them start new lives.
Nico Castro
6-year-old brain cancer patient, Nico Castro, recruited his family to help him start a Halloween costume drive for the other kids in the hospital. He managed to raise $1,200 in cash and collect 166 costumes
Catalina Escobar
Catalina Escobar was named one of CNN's Heroes of 2012. Escobar is helping pregnant girls in the slums of Cartagena, Colombia with her foundation,the Juan Felipe Gomez Escobar Foundation, which provides them with care. She has also her organization's funds to build a clinic that has helped reduce the infant mortality rate for children of teen mothers.
Lizzie Velasquez
Lizzie Velasquez was once labeled the "Ugliest Woman on YouTube," simply because she suffers from an undiagnosed condition that dramatically altered her appearance. Instead of allowing herself to wallow in the hate, she decided to face her critcs face on. She has since released TWO books (at the young age of 23!) and is a motivational speaker who uses her story to help others.
Talia Castellano
Talia Castellano, a 13-year-old Latina cancer survivor, became an online sensation after she took to YouTube to give makeup tutorials that struck a chord with all those who watched them. The aspiring makeup artist was then invited on the Ellen Degeneres show where she became an honorary CoverGirl!
Enrique Trevino
U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Enrique Trevino pledged to do one million push-ups in one year in honor of his fellow soldiers–which means 2,732 per day! Though his initial goal for his project was to raise $20,000 for the Wounded Warriors project, he has since raised over $48,000.
