FORT WALTON BEACH — Students and staff at Wright Elementary School are hoping they can touch hearts but not break them with a book they’ve created to honor those killed in Newtown, Conn.
It has taken months of planning, writing and drawing, but school officials are ready to take the book to the publisher, who will ultimately provide free copies to all the families that lost a loved one at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
“I have never seen such beautiful work,” said Elizabeth Laird, one of two teachers at the school who have overseen the book. “It’s not a eulogy; it’s something to be uplifting.”
The short, colorful book, called “From the Hearts of Hidden Angels,” primarily features letters and drawings by students in Kim de Venny’s first-grade class. Each of de Venny’s students was assigned to write a page in honor of one of the first-graders killed based on a shared personality trait or interest.
The concept of the book was put forth by de Venny, and after garnering not just the support of the school and parents but also a publishing firm, they opted to pursue it.
“I just thought it would be a nice gesture for the families,” de Venny said.
In addition to the student letters, the book features passages written by school staff to honor the adults killed. For example, principal Cathy Hubeli wrote a passage for Sandy Hook principal Dawn Hochsprung, and de Venny wrote one for first-grade teacher Victoria Soto.
“Following the tragedy, I knew in my heart I wanted to write this book with my students to honor the children and adults who were who killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” de Venny wrote. “I knew I wanted to honor Vicki, who has inspired me to be sure that my students come to school and know they are safe.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.
