Hero: Vicki Soto, 27, saved first-graders from shooter; Grieving sisters honor her sacrifice

Teacher Vicki Leigh Soto is a true hero.

As gunfire erupted at Sandy Hook Elementary School, officials say she hid her first-grade students in a closet, saving their lives. “In doing so, she put herself between the kids and the gunman’s bullets,” a police officer told the Wall Street Journal.

Vicki Soto is a true hero. Died shielding her students, What a brave, beautiful girl. Rest peacefully?? pic.twitter.com/xqzP2IdK

— Jess (@Jessssskay) December 15, 2012

Carlee and Jillian Soto honored Vicki’s heroism on Twitter as they grieved for their beautiful sister.

https://twitter.com/ICarlee23/status/279690340162752512

https://twitter.com/ICarlee23/status/279989974353457153

https://twitter.com/JillianLouise25/status/279717681555464192

Jillian tweeted this before she learned of her sister’s death on Friday.

https://twitter.com/JillianLouise25/status/279617091932409856

Heartbreaking.

Vicki Soto’s selfless heroism will not be forgotten.

https://twitter.com/AndrewCQuinn/status/280002075658706945

Learning more about #SandyHook victims today. This is 27 yo Vicki Soto. The 1st grade teacher died shielding her kids. pic.twitter.com/8kL0Uz8o

— Blake McCoy (@BlakeMcCoyDC) December 15, 2012

Vicki Soto, the 27 yr old teacher that gave her life to save her students. This is a hero, people. pic.twitter.com/KAzhiMBd

— ? (@LanceTHESPOKEN) December 15, 2012

#daughter#sister#friend#teacher#brave#hero#tough Vicki Soto. Police say when bullets were flying in, Vicki u http://t.co/SZkfvoS1

— Nick Bennett (@NickBNYG) December 15, 2012

http://instagram.com/p/TPxiTWQD98/

I love you so much @icarlee23 ❤❤ rip to your sister Vicki, she's a hero and will never be forgotten. http://t.co/YJWCfHN1

— jacki falafel rose (@daaa_elk) December 15, 2012

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacki Elkodsi (@jayquellin_rose)

RIP Vicki Soto – Never forget this hero http://t.co/sI447S0q

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) December 15, 2012

A sign in Newtown, Conn., reads, “Hug a teacher today.”

Sign in #Newtown: Hug a teacher today. pic.twitter.com/mQYSLrAW

— Thomas Kaplan (@thomaskaplan) December 15, 2012

https://twitter.com/Jay_Pottzz/status/279713933852561408

https://twitter.com/caramelmochiata/status/279790062126915584

https://twitter.com/KevCity/status/279982589316567042

Remember her name, indeed.

Twitchy extends our heartfelt prayers to the family of Vicki Soto and all of those affected by this tragedy.