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Victoria "Vicki" Leigh Soto
November 4, 1985 ~ December 14, 2012
Victoria's bell is F3. When F3 rings, we remember an amazing young woman who died a hero. Teaching was Victoria's passion, following in the footsteps of her beloved Aunt Debbie, and it had been her dream since she was three years old. Molding young minds was her priority, but being the “fun” teacher, was what she was all about.
In a posting on her Facebook page, Vicki Soto wrote about her life:
"In my free time I love to spend time with black lab, Roxie. I love spending time with my brother, sisters and cousins,' she wrote. "I love to spend time reading books on the beach soaking up the sun. I also love flamingos and the New York Yankees."
In her eulogy, the Rev. Meg Boxwell Williams praised Ms. Soto as a “quick-thinking, beautiful, selfless person” who huddled her first-grade pupils into a closet and cupboards and hurried others to escape as a determined gunman invaded the school. “Her last act was selfless, Christlike in laying down her life for her children,” Ms. Williams said in closing remarks.
Ms. Soto was remembered as a young woman with long brown hair, captivating blue eyes and “an infectious laugh,” one who had a passion for gathering her extended family together whenever she could and making relatives laugh with sometimes zany impulsive gestures.
To her sisters, Victoria was the wise adviser on everything from clothes to classes. To her friends and cousins, she was the reliable organizer of kitchen cabinets and Christmas parties. To her extended family, she was the glue, holding them together.
Victoria will never be forgotten. A bell for Victoria will always ring at Christmas.