It is sadly ironic that I was at my daughter's elementary school yesterday to have Christmas lunch with her when I first saw the news about a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School come across the crawler on the lobby television. At that moment 18 students were reported dead. My heart seized, but I immediately and very deliberately made the decision to put all thoughts of this unfolding tragedy aside so that I could be present for my daughter, enjoy her company, and give her my full attention during her special luncheon.
Now 24 hours later, the devastation and grief of this monumental tragedy has sunk into mine and the nation's consciousness. This morning at the University of South Alabama we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students. Later today we will applaud them as they receive their diplomas and begin or continue careers as educators. No doubt this ordinarily happy occasion for the graduates and their families will be marked by sadness. It is my sincere wish that these students never have to witness such events as the community of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, has endured. It is my hope that in spite of this tragedy, or perhaps because of it, these graduates will be more determined than ever to use their talents and passion to educate and care for others.
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