Six-year-old Jessica Adrienne Rekos was a female first-grader with a boundless love for horses and a mind that worked with thoughtful precision. Born on May 10, 2006, she lived in Sandy Hook, a village in her hometown of Newtown, Connecticut. Her family, who affectionately called her their "little CEO," saw a bright and creative spark in her. She was known for her love of playing with her younger brothers, Travis and Shane, and for her passion for learning about orca whales, a fascination
sparked by the movie "Free Willy." Her dream of seeing a real orca had recently come true in October of 2012 during a trip to SeaWorld. For Christmas that year, she had her heart set on a new cowgirl hat and boots.
On the morning of December 14, 2012, Jessica went to her class at Sandy Hook Elementary School for the last time. A 20-year-old man named Adam Lanza forced his way into the school and opened fire. Jessica was in one of two first-grade classrooms that were targeted. She, along with 19 of her fellow students and six female educators, was tragically killed during the massacre. The event sent shockwaves of grief through the small community and the nation.
In the aftermath of the horrific shooting, there were no arrests to be made in connection with the deaths at the school. The suspect, Adam Lanza, had turned the gun on himself and taken his own life at the scene, leaving a trail of devastation and unanswered questions. The community was left to mourn the immense loss of innocent lives, including that of a little girl who loved horses and dreamed of being a cowgirl. A funeral for Jessica was held on December 18, 2012, at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown.
