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Taryn McCabe
  • History and Social Science
  • Class of 2018
  • East Hampton, CT

Eastern Student Taryn McCabe of East Hampton Named Recipient of History Department's Victoria Leigh Soto Memorial Fund Scholarship

2018 Apr 17

Eastern Connecticut State University student Taryn McCabe '18 of East Hampton was named the recipient of the History Department's Victoria Leigh Soto Memorial Fund Scholarship on April 5. McCabe's major is History and Social Science.

She was named the winner at the History Department's Alpha Mu Alpha induction ceremony. Alpha Mu Alpha is Eastern's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for the study of history.

The scholarship was created in honor of Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Victoria Leigh Soto '08, an elementary school teacher, who lost her life protecting her first-grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, on Dec. 14, 2012.

Soto was a Dean's List student while she attended Eastern as an Elementary Education and History double major. She was also a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society. In 2013, the Department of History established the award in memory of Soto for a graduating senior who is a History major, a member of Phi Alpha Theta and is planning on a teaching career. The award is presented annually during the initiation ceremony.

"I was absolutely blown away when I heard the news that I was receiving the honor of being named the recipient of the Victoria Leigh Soto Award," said McCabe. "Ms. Soto was a teacher that I can only dream of becoming. She showed a true commitment and selflessness for the safety of every one of her students."

"Through her heroic actions, Ms. Soto showed that a teacher can truly impact and change children's lives. She gave her life to protect a group of scared and helpless children and in doing so, she saved many lives. I am truly humbled to be given this award in her honor," added McCabe.

McCabe was inducted into Alpha Mu Alpha in 2017 and participates in both the History and Educations Clubs. After graduating, she hopes to become a middle or high school teacher.