Doing something positive for Neil Heslin, the father of Sandy Hook victim Jesse Lewis [View all]

[Tommy_Carcetti]

They say your life changes when you become a parent, but some things really bring it home for me (as a parent of two young children). Yesterday, I was so moved by the testimony of Neil Heslin, the father of 6 year old Jesse Heslin, one of the 20 children killed in the December 14th tragedy. I'm sure many others here feel likewise.

Anyways, in looking more into the subject, I came across an online petition asking the Shelton School Department to rename one of its schools after Jesse Lewis. The text of the petition reads as follows:
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http://www.change.org/petitions/shelton-public-schools-in-shelton-connecticut-change-name-of-one-of-its-schools-to-jesse-m-lewis-elementary-school


Shelton Public Schools in Shelton Connecticut: Change name of one of its schools to Jesse M. Lewis Elementary School


Everybody loves a hero; Jesse McCord Lewis is a true hero. On the day of the Sandy Hook massacre, Jesse died bravely trying to lead other children to safety. When the gunman turned his back, Jesse tried to lead 5 of his classmates from their hiding spot to safety. He made it all the way to the hallway until he was gunned down. When the family of Jesse Lewis found out that Jesse attempted this act of heroism, his family was not surprised at all. According to the family of Jesse Lewis, they were not surprised, "Jesse was always fearless, full of courage, and had a lot of strength. The family takes comfort in knowing what a brave child Jesse was. "His actions were consistent with the way he lived his life; passionately embracing everything, a perfect combination of courage, and faith, like a little soldier, his favorite toy." As I already mentioned, everybody loves a hero, and Jesse is the true definition of a hero, and by signing this petition, we will ask the Shelton Public Schools in Shelton Connecticut to name one of its elementary schools in memory of Jesse McCord Lewis. Why Shelton? Jesse's father, Neil Heslin, lives in Shelton and Jesse was no stranger to the town of Shelton or its surrounding neighbors. Let’s make the change, and give honor and respect to our fallen hero by naming a school in honor of Jesse's memory.
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Obviously, it's only a token measure. Obviously, nothing in the world can erase the pain of the loss of one's child.

But Mr. Heslin impressed me so much with his bravery in speaking up yesterday and asking the questions that needed to be asked (yet some refuse to answer honestly), that he deserves some recognition.

If you don't want to sign the online petition but still wish to contact the Shelton Public Schools, they can be reached at:


http://www.sheltonpublicschools.org/subsite/dist/contact

Address:
382 Long Hill Avenue
Shelton, CT 06484

Phone:
[phone]

Fax:
[phone]