NEWTOWN, Conn. — As the Newtown High School class of 2024 prepares for their graduation ceremony, they are filled with the same mixed emotions as seniors everywhere. They are thrilled about the prospect of embarking on new adventures in college or their chosen careers, yet saddened by the thought of parting ways with their friends and the community they’ve grown up in.
However, for approximately 60 of the 330 students graduating this Wednesday, the occasion carries an additional emotional weight. These students are survivors of one of the most horrific school shootings in U.S. history, and they are painfully aware that many of their former classmates will not be joining them in this milestone. On December 14, 2012, twenty first graders and six educators lost their lives in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
The graduation ceremony will include a tribute to the victims, although the specifics of this tribute have not been disclosed.
These resilient young adults, who have grown up in a community they affectionately refer to as a “bubble” due to the comfort and protection it has offered them, will soon be venturing out into the world.
“We’re all incredibly excited for graduation day,” shared 17-year-old Lilly Wasilnak, who was in a classroom not far from where the shooting took place. “But we can’t ignore the fact that a significant portion of our class is missing. So, as we approach graduation, our feelings are quite complex — we’re trying to celebrate our achievements, but we’re also mourning those who should have been here to share this moment with us.”
Emma Ehrens, another survivor, was one of 11 children from Classroom 10 who managed to escape when the shooter paused to reload. Tragically, Jesse Lewis, the student who bravely shouted for everyone to run, did not survive. Five children and both teachers in the room were killed.
“I’m going to be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions,” admitted Emma, 17. ”I’m thrilled to be moving on from high school, but I’m also grieving for those who won’t be there to share this moment with me. I like to believe that they’ll be there in spirit, crossing the stage with us.”
Grace Fischer, 18, was in a classroom down the hall from the shooting with Ella Seaver and Wasilnak. Despite the tragedy that marred their childhood, they have strived to lead as normal a life as possible.
“Our high school experience wasn’t entirely normal,” Fischer acknowledged. ”But despite the absence of a significant part of our class, we are still graduating. We want to experience the joy and pride that comes with this achievement, knowing how far we’ve come.”
Many of the survivors continue to grapple with the trauma of that day, with loud noises still causing them to startle and a constant awareness of their surroundings. Many have undergone years of therapy for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.
The town has provided a range of services to the families, shielding them from media attention and outsiders as much as possible. The students expressed that leaving such a protective community will be both challenging and liberating.
“In Sandy Hook, the tragedy is always present,” said Matt Holden, 17, who was in a classroom down the hall from the shooting. “I think leaving and creating new memories and meeting new people will allow us to write our own story. We won’t let this one event that happened when we were very young define our lives.”
Emma expressed some anxiety about leaving Newtown, but recognized it as a necessary step towards the next chapter of her life.
“I feel like it’s time to break free of the system we’ve been in for the past 12 years,” she said. “I’m looking forward to becoming my own person, not just the Sandy Hook kid.”
Fischer echoed Emma’s sentiments, acknowledging that while leaving her hometown and friends will be difficult, she’s excited to make new friends and build a new community in college.
“Sandy Hook will always be a part of me,” she affirmed.
All five seniors have been active in the Junior Newtown Action Alliance and its anti-gun violence efforts. They met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House last week to discuss their experiences and advocate for change.
They are driven by the memory of their fallen classmates and plan to continue their advocacy after high school.
Seaver, 18, plans to study psychology in college and become a therapist, inspired by the help she received. “Working with the alliance gives me a sense of purpose,” she said. “We’re fighting for change and we won’t stop until we achieve it.”
Emma plans to study political science and law, with the goal of becoming a politician or civil rights lawyer. Fischer shares this ambition.
Matt intends to major in political science and advocate for changes in gun policy.
Lilly is still undecided about her major, but she is committed to speaking out against gun violence.
“I’ve always felt a need to do something more since the tragedy,” Lilly said. “I wanted to turn such a terrible event into something positive. The children and educators didn’t die in vain. Something bigger needed to come out of it, or else it would have been all for nothing.”
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