Local Teacher Begins Book Collection in Honor of Sandy Hook Principal

Tracy Schuster, a Bethel Park High School teacher and Upper St. Clair resident, was so inspired by the story of principal Dawn Hochsprung of Sandy Hook Elementary and her heroic sacrifice in attempting to stop the shooter, that she felt she had to do something in her honor.

Through a little researcher, Schuster learned that one of the things the students loved and remembered about Hochsprung was her enthusiastic encouragement of reading. In fact, she dressed up as the "book fairy" as you can see in the photo to the right, courtesy of Newtown Patch.

"Like her, I think that books can make all the difference in a child's life," Schuster said.

In an effort to honor Hochsprung and help spread her passion for books, Schuster and Sydney Litzenburger, a paraprofessional at William Penn Elementary School, have organized a book collection in the Bethel Park schools.

"The program is called 'Hugs for Sandy Hook Book Collection,' because we feel that this is our way of letting the people of Newtown know we care, and that we hope to do something positive in honor of the children and adults who were lost that day," Schuster said.

The books will be collected and distributed to local schools and reading programs, and 27 books will be sent to the Newtown, CT schools—one to honor each innocent victim.

Anyone can donate a book by stopping at one of the Bethel Park school offices between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. until Jan. 30. The buildings will be closed for winter break next week through Jan. 1, but those interested can still send a book to Schuster with the following address:

Tracy Schuster
Bethel Park High School
309 Church Rd.
Bethel Park, PA  15102

What do you think about this "Hugs for Sandy Hook Book Collection?" Tell us in the comments below.

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