Family Life

12.17.12 | Sarah Harnisch

The principle of Sandy Hook Elementary, the first person shot in Connecticut, has ties to the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania. Dawn Hochsprung was a native of the Northern Tier town of Towanda. Hochsprung grew up as Dawn Lafferty, playing with friends in the close knight community. She died protecting the children at her school. On Friday, she warned others and ran toward the bullets, trying to overtake the shooter, giving her life in the process. Those who knew her in the Twin Tiers and in Connecticut aren't surprised. "She certainly was inspiring and put her children first,” said Gerald Stomski, who worked with Hochsprung in Newtown, Connecticut. “It's no surprise that she came to (protect) them. She's a hero today."

Hochsprung was 47 years old. She leaves behind two daughters and three stepdaughters. She lives on as a hero to people who never knew her. Many in Towanda will never forget her.

This story, courtesy of our news partner, WETM T.V.