In an inspiring act of kindness, a California teenager named Adrian Rodriguez recently proved that there is hope for the younger generation. It all began when a woman named Melina Marquez received a surprising visit at her home. She answered the door to a young man who was there to return a lost purse. The whole thing was caught on Marquez’ Ring doorbell.

The purse belonged to Eliana Martin, a friend of Marquez, who had left it in a shopping cart at a grocery store. Despite no longer living at Marquez’s address, Martin’s driver’s license inside the purse still listed the old address. This led the Good Samaritan, 17-year-old Adrian Rodriguez, directly to Marquez’s doorstep.

“When my aunt saw the Ring doorbell notification, she opened the door to find a young man holding a purse,” recounted Marquez. Initially confused, her aunt listened as Rodriguez explained how he found the purse and made the effort to return it.

Marquez was deeply moved by the gesture. “I asked my aunt if she got his name or offered him any reward, and she said she hadn’t. I thought, ‘Oh my God, we have to find him!'”

Women on a Mission

Determined to thank Rodriguez properly, Marquez and Martin posted the doorbell video on social media. The video quickly went viral in the San Diego community, and it wasn’t long before Rodriguez identified himself.

When asked why he went out of his way to return the purse, Rodriguez’s answer was simple and heartfelt. “My mom told me since I was little to always do the right thing, even when no one’s watching,” he said. “Also, if I lost my stuff, I would want somebody to bring it back to me.”

Rodriguez’s selfless act touched many hearts, and Marquez and Martin decided to show their appreciation in a tangible way. Friends, family, and even strangers who were moved by the story began to contribute to a reward fund. Initially aiming to raise $1,000 for Rodriguez, they quickly surpassed that goal, collecting over $3,000.

“He could have just taken whatever was in the purse, but he didn’t,” Marquez emphasized. “He brought it back, and that speaks volumes about his character.”

Rodriguez’s good deed is a powerful reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. His story not only highlights the importance of doing the right thing but also serves as a beacon of hope, showing that the younger generation is capable of great compassion and integrity.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Its origins date back to June 19, 1865, when Union Army Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

The Emancipation Proclamation declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were to be set free. However, the Proclamation had little effect on Texas, which was a remote Confederate state with a small presence of Union troops. As a result, enforcement of the Proclamation was slow and inconsistent. It wasn’t until General Granger’s arrival and his General Order No. 3 that the roughly 250,000 enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom.

The announcement of freedom caused an eruption of joy and celebrations among the newly emancipated African Americans. The day became known as “Juneteenth,” a blend of “June” and “nineteenth,” and has since been a day of celebration, reflection, and remembrance for African Americans.

The Spread of Juneteenth Celebrations

After the initial celebrations in Texas, Juneteenth began to spread to other states as African Americans migrated to different parts of the country. The early celebrations included parades, cookouts, prayer meetings, musical performances, and educational events. Families would gather to remember their ancestors and the struggles they endured, while also celebrating their newfound freedom and the progress made since emancipation.

Despite the significance of Juneteenth, it did not become a widely recognized national event. Many African Americans continued to celebrate it, but it remained largely a regional observance in the South. The civil rights movement of the 1960s brought renewed attention to Juneteenth, as activists sought to highlight the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. During this period, Juneteenth took on greater symbolic meaning as a reminder of the long journey toward true freedom and equality for African Americans.

Juneteenth in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Throughout the 20th century, Juneteenth continued to be celebrated in African American communities, albeit with varying levels of recognition and participation. The civil rights movement and the subsequent push for Black empowerment in the 1970s and 1980s helped to revitalize interest in the holiday. Juneteenth festivals and events began to grow in size and scope, incorporating aspects of African American culture, history, and arts.

In 1980, Texas became the first state to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. This recognition marked a significant milestone in the efforts to raise awareness of the historical and cultural importance of the day. Over the next several decades, more states followed suit, passing legislation to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or observance.

The movement to elevate Juneteenth to national prominence continued to gain momentum in the 21st century. The holiday’s significance was increasingly recognized as a vital part of American history, not just African American history. This growing awareness was driven by grassroots advocacy, the efforts of historians and educators, and the tireless work of community organizers who sought to ensure that the story of Juneteenth was preserved and shared.

Recent Events Leading to National Recognition

The killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and the subsequent protests against systemic racism and police brutality, brought renewed attention to issues of racial inequality in the United States. The Black Lives Matter movement and the widespread demonstrations highlighted the need for greater recognition of African American history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

In the wake of these events, there was a surge of support for making Juneteenth a national holiday. Advocates argued that officially recognizing Juneteenth would not only honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom but also serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The bill had passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. The signing ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Opal Lee, a longtime Juneteenth activist often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

The federal recognition of Juneteenth marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and celebrate African American history and culture. It also provided an opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds to reflect on the nation’s complex history and the enduring legacy of slavery.

Significance and Contemporary Celebrations

Today, Juneteenth is celebrated across the United States with a variety of events and activities. These include parades, concerts, educational programs, cultural festivals, and community gatherings. Many cities and organizations host events that highlight African American history, achievements, and contributions to American society.

In addition to traditional celebrations, Juneteenth has become a platform for discussions about social justice, racial equality, and the ongoing challenges faced by African Americans. It is a day for both celebration and reflection, a time to honor the past while looking toward the future.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday has also sparked renewed interest in exploring and teaching African American history in schools and communities. Educational institutions and organizations are increasingly incorporating Juneteenth into their curricula and programming, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of the day and the broader history of emancipation in the United States.

Juneteenth is a day of profound historical and cultural significance. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, strength, and contributions of African Americans. From its origins in Galveston, Texas, to its recognition as a federal holiday, Juneteenth has evolved into a powerful symbol of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

The journey to national recognition was long and challenging, marked by the efforts of countless individuals and communities who fought to ensure that the legacy of Juneteenth was preserved and celebrated. As a federal holiday, Juneteenth now stands alongside other important days in American history, serving as a time for all Americans to come together, reflect on the past, and work toward a more just and equitable future.

As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approach, the excitement is building around the athletes who will represent Team USA. Here are ten standout athletes to keep an eye on, each bringing their unique talents and stories to the grand stage.

10 Team USA Athletes to Watch in the 2024 Olympic Games

1. Simone Biles – Gymnastics

Background: Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, is making a highly anticipated return for the 2024 Olympics. With an impressive tally of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, her skill and resilience are unmatched.

Journey: After a challenging 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events to focus on her mental health, Biles has demonstrated incredible determination in preparing for Paris. Her return signifies not just physical prowess but also an inspiring message about mental health and perseverance.

Faith and Inspiration: Biles is open about her Christian faith, often sharing how it guides her through the pressures of competition and life. Her journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of prioritizing mental well-being.

 

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2. Noah Lyles – Track and Field

Background: Noah Lyles is a dominant force in sprinting, specializing in the 200 meters. He holds multiple world championship titles and is known for his charismatic personality and exceptional speed.

Journey: Lyles faced setbacks in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but has bounced back stronger, aiming to secure gold in Paris. His dedication to improving his performance makes him a formidable competitor to watch.

Inspiration: Lyles often speaks about the importance of mental health and self-expression, using his platform to advocate for athlete well-being and authenticity.

3. Katie Ledecky – Swimming

Background: Katie Ledecky, one of the most decorated swimmers in history, continues to dominate in freestyle events. With seven Olympic gold medals to her name, she is a swimming legend.

Journey: Ledecky’s relentless training and commitment have kept her at the top of her game. She aims to add more medals to her collection in Paris, focusing on the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events.

Inspiration: Ledecky’s humility and work ethic are exemplary. She credits her success to her rigorous training regimen and the support of her family and coaches.

4. Caeleb Dressel – Swimming

Background: Caeleb Dressel is a powerhouse in the pool, known for his explosive speed and versatility. He won five gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, solidifying his status as a swimming superstar.

Journey: Dressel’s focus for Paris includes maintaining his dominance in sprint freestyle and butterfly events. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement keeps him at the forefront of competitive swimming.

Inspiration: Dressel often shares insights into his mental preparation and the importance of staying grounded, inspiring many young athletes.

5. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone – Track and Field

Background: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a record-breaking hurdler, specializing in the 400m hurdles. She set a world record at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, earning her a gold medal.

Journey: McLaughlin-Levrone’s trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular. Her goal for Paris is to defend her title and possibly set new records, showcasing her incredible athletic prowess and determination.

Inspiration: Her faith plays a significant role in her life, and she often attributes her successes to her trust in God’s plan. McLaughlin-Levrone’s social media point to God and His faithfulness.

 

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Eighteen years ago, when she was just one day old, a baby named Colleen was surrendered at a “Safe Haven” box in Clermont, Florida. She was received by Battalion Chief Dan Miller at Lake County Firehouse No. 112, and placed with an adoptive family just two weeks later. 

Now, Colleen has graduated high school, and once again reunited with many of the stations’ firefighters who were there the day her life changed forever. 

Lake County Fire Rescue posted a series of photos Saturday, reporting that upon graduating high school, Colleen is “thriving.” 

Back in 2018, Colleen visited Firehouse 112 with her parents for the first time since she was left there as an infant. She was reunited with Dan Miller, and embraced as part of their firehouse family. 

RELATED: A Firefighter Longed to Become a Father, Then Someone Left a Newborn at His Fire Station

On that day, they even named a firetruck after the baby who was trusted to them almost eleven years prior. A nervous Dan gave her a bouquet of flowers, and an equally nervous Colleen got a tour of the firehouse, trucks, and day-to-day life of the men who received her on that fateful day. 

Fast forward to 2024, and Colleen is making her rounds again, posing in a photo with Dan Miller and four others who were there when she was safely left with them 18 years ago. 

“Join us in congratulating Colleen on her huge accomplishment,” Saturday’s post read. “We are so proud of you!”

Echoes of Praise

Comments flooded the Lake County Fire Rescue’s post, with people from all over the internet celebrating both Colleen, and the heroes who are a part of her story. 

“Look at all the fathers she has!!!!” One user wrote. “God Bless!!”

“Congratulations Colleen and thank you to the momma who bravely placed her baby in that box knowing she would be safer there than with her,” wrote another, pointing out the unsung hero in this whole story. 

“I love, love, LOVE this post and know Colleen will go on to do amazing things! Congratulations, sweetheart,” exclaimed another. “To the heroes at Station 112, thank you for being wonderful humans.” 

Katie Ledecky, a name synonymous with excellence in swimming, is gearing up for yet another Olympic journey at the Paris 2024 Games. As one of the most decorated female swimmers in history, Ledecky’s career has been a testament to her relentless dedication, exceptional talent, and unwavering faith. Since her astonishing debut at the London 2012 Olympics, where she clinched gold in the 800-meter freestyle at just 15 years old, Ledecky has continued to dominate the pool, amassing a remarkable collection of medals across three Olympic Games.

Her journey from a promising young swimmer in Bethesda, Maryland, to an Olympic legend has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, as she sets her sights on Paris 2024, the world eagerly anticipates witnessing her push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. Beyond her swimming prowess, Katie’s story is also one of humility, faith, and a profound commitment to excellence, making her an inspiring figure both in and out of the water. As she prepares to compete on the world stage once again, Ledecky’s journey offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of greatness.

Katie Ledecky: The Early Years

Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky, known as Katie Ledecky, is one of the most decorated and revered athletes in the world of swimming. Born on March 17, 1997, in Washington, D.C., she grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. Katie’s journey into the world of competitive swimming began early, influenced by her older brother, Michael, who also swam competitively. She started swimming at the age of six, and her natural talent quickly became apparent.

Katie attended Little Flower School and later Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. Even at a young age, Ledecky’s swimming prowess was evident. Her rigorous training and dedication were supported by a strong family unit and a nurturing environment at home and school.

Breakthrough in Competitive Swimming

Katie’s breakthrough in competitive swimming came in 2012 when she qualified for the U.S. Olympic team at the age of 15. At the London 2012 Olympics, she stunned the world by winning the gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle, setting a new American record. This victory marked the beginning of a stellar career that would see her dominate the pool for years to come.

Olympic Success

Katie Ledecky has been a dominant force in swimming across three Olympic Games: London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Her impressive haul of Olympic medals includes seven gold and three silver, making her one of the most successful female swimmers in Olympic history.

London 2012: At just 15, Ledecky took home the gold in the 800-meter freestyle, setting an American record. Her unexpected victory over more experienced competitors signaled the arrival of a new star in swimming.

Rio 2016: This was the Olympics where Katie truly showcased her dominance. She won four gold medals (200-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle, and 4×200-meter freestyle relay) and one silver (4×100-meter freestyle relay). She set world records in the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle events, cementing her status as the best female distance swimmer in history.

Tokyo 2020: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent delay of the games, Ledecky continued to shine. She won two gold medals (800-meter freestyle and 1500-meter freestyle) and two silver medals (400-meter freestyle and 4×200-meter freestyle relay), further adding to her illustrious medal tally.

In the world of social media, influencers play a massive role in shaping trends, providing inspiration, and sharing their unique journeys. Here’s a detailed list of some top uplifting social media influencers that you should follow to make your feed a little brighter. Each of these social media influencers brings something special to the table, from lifestyle and family vlogging to faith-based inspiration, motivational content, and podcasts.

13 Social Media Influencers to Follow for a Light-Hearted Feed

1. Audrey and Jeremy Roloff

Audrey and Jeremy Roloff are former stars of the popular reality TV show “Little People, Big World.” They now focus on sharing their life and faith through social media and their blog, Beating 50 Percent. The Roloffs are passionate about marriage and family, offering tips and resources for couples looking to strengthen their relationship through their podcast, books, and social media content. Their Instagram feed is a blend of family moments, faith-based reflections, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Family and Faith-Based Lifestyle

Their authenticity in sharing the highs and lows of marriage and family life makes them relatable. They also offer practical advice and encouragement for couples.

2. Elyse Myers

Elyse Myers gained popularity on TikTok for her humorous storytelling and relatable content. Known for her candid and funny anecdotes about everyday life, Elyse has a knack for turning mundane experiences into laugh-out-loud moments. Her content often features her experiences with anxiety, awkward social interactions, and motherhood.

Comedy and Storytelling

Elyse’s comedic timing and genuine approach provide a refreshing and entertaining break from the typical polished influencer content. She makes you feel like you’re chatting with a friend.

3. Matt and Abby Howard

Matt and Abby Howard are a young couple who share their life as new parents and entrepreneurs. Their YouTube channel and social media profiles document their journey through marriage, parenthood, and their creative ventures. They are known for their engaging and light-hearted content, including challenges, vlogs, and Q&A sessions. They also host the “Unplanned” podcast where they host compelling guests, and share about their life as young parents to two under two.

Family Vlogging and Lifestyle

Their dynamic and energetic approach to content creation makes their videos entertaining and relatable for young families and couples.

4. Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo

Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo are known from the reality TV series “19 Kids and Counting” and “Counting On.” They use their platform to share their faith journey, family life, and Jeremy’s work as a pastor. The Vuolos are open about their experiences with transitioning from reality TV to a more private life focused on ministry and raising their children.

Faith and Family

Their content is inspiring for those interested in faith-based family life and the challenges of balancing public and private life.

5. Dylan White and Suzanne White (DadChats and MomChats)

Dylan White and Suzanne White, known as DadChats and MomChats, respectively, share their insights and experiences in parenting. Their content ranges from humorous takes on parenting challenges to heartfelt advice on raising children. They often collaborate, offering both the dad’s and mom’s perspectives on various topics.

Parenting and Family Life

Their balanced approach and genuine humor make parenting content engaging and relatable. They provide practical tips and foster a supportive community for parents.

6. Devin and Hunter Cordle

Devin and Hunter Cordle are influencers who focus on faith, family, and motivation. They share their journey through marriage, parenting, and personal growth, often tying in their strong Christian faith. Their content includes motivational talks, family vlogs, and faith-based discussions. Devin is also the host of The Salty Podcast, which often features her husband and other people of faith.

Faith and Family Inspiration

Their positive and uplifting content is perfect for those looking for inspiration and encouragement in their daily lives.

7. Kaci and Casey Driggers

Family and Lifestyle Vlogging

Kaci and Casey Driggers are known for their engaging family vlogs and lifestyle content. They share their adventures as a family, including travel, home projects, and daily life activities. Their channel is full of fun challenges, DIY projects, and family-friendly content.

Family and Lifestyle Vlogging

Their creativity and enthusiasm for family life make their content entertaining and inspiring for other families.

8. Bella and Dallin Lambert (Della Vlog)

Bella and Dallin Lambert, creators of the YouTube channel “Della Vlogs,” share their life as a married couple and parents. They produce a variety of content, including pranks, challenges, and family vlogs with their daughter, Story, who they adopted in 2023 after years of infertility.

At just 14 years old, Bella founded Origami Owl with the goal of earning enough money to buy a car. What started as a small business selling customizable lockets quickly blossomed into a multi-million dollar company. The couple has since grown a following and been wildly open about their years-long battle with infertility, adoption, and even being catfished during the adoption process in 2023.

Family Vlogging and Lifestyle

Their playful and adventurous content provides a great mix of entertainment and relatable family moments.

9. Jordan Lee Dooley

Jordan Lee Dooley is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur who shares content focused on personal development, faith, and living a purposeful life. Through her podcast “She,” books, and social media, Jordan provides practical advice and encouragement for women looking to pursue their dreams and live authentically.

Personal Development and Faith

Her empowering content and practical tips for personal growth and faith make her an inspiring figure for women seeking to improve their lives.

10. Ashley LeMieux

Ashley LeMieux is an author, speaker, and founder of “The Shine Project.” She shares her journey of overcoming personal challenges and offers encouragement and motivation to her followers. Her content includes inspirational quotes, personal stories, and practical advice for living a fulfilling life. After losing a messy legal battle for their two foster kids in 2017, Ashley and her husband Mike faced another unimaginable heartache in 2020, when Ashley was forced to deliver their son, Jace, at just 16 weeks due to a kidney infection that turned into sepsis and almost cost her her life. Even worse, due to COVID-19 protocols, Mike was not allowed to be with Ashley, and she suffered all of this in isolation.

Since enduring the excruciating loss, and fighting for her health, Mike and Ashley welcomed a daughter, Annie Rae, in May of 2022.

Inspirational and Motivational Content

Ashley’s resilience and positive outlook make her a beacon of hope and inspiration for those facing their own challenges.

11. Risen Motherhood (Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler)

Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler, co-founders of the “Risen Motherhood” ministry, focus on providing gospel-centered encouragement for moms. Their content includes podcasts, articles, and social media posts that address the challenges and joys of motherhood through a Christian lens.

Faith-Based Motherhood

Their faith-based approach to parenting provides valuable insights and encouragement for moms looking to integrate their faith into their daily lives.

12. The Bucket List Family (Garrett and Jessica Gee)

The Bucket List Family, consisting of Garrett and Jessica Gee and their three children, are known for their adventurous lifestyle. They travel the world, documenting their experiences and sharing travel tips, family moments, and cultural insights. Their content is visually stunning and packed with travel inspiration.

Family Travel and Adventure

Their unique lifestyle and commitment to exploring the world as a family provide endless inspiration for travel enthusiasts and families alike.

13. Sadie Robertson Huff

Sadie Robertson Huff, known for her role on “Duck Dynasty,” is a bestselling author and motivational speaker. She uses her platform to promote faith and positivity. With over 4 million followers on Instagram and a successful YouTube channel, she reaches a vast audience with her inspirational content. Sadie also hosts the “WHOA That’s Good” podcast, where she discusses faith, life, and personal growth, further solidifying her influence in the Christian community and beyond.

Faith and Motivation

Sadie’s positive and faith-driven content provides encouragement and motivation, making her a role model for young women looking to strengthen their faith and confidence.

Whether you’re looking to be inspired, have a laugh, or feel like you’re chatting with your best friend, each of these social media influencers have a load of great content to offer.

The Olympic Games, a global celebration of athletic excellence and international unity, trace their roots back to ancient Greece, where they began over 2,700 years ago. Revived in the modern era in 1896, the Olympics have evolved into the world’s foremost sporting event, featuring athletes from virtually every nation.

In 2024, Paris will host the Summer Olympics for the third time, following the Games in 1900 and 1924. The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics promise to be a spectacular event, showcasing both traditional and innovative sports. With an emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, the Games will feature events in historic locations like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, and new sports like skateboarding and sport climbing. This iconic global event will bring together athletes and fans from around the world to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie.

Here are 20 Facts About the Olympics You Should Know Before the Games Begin

The Origin and Evolution of the Olympics

1. Ancient Beginnings: The Olympic Games started in ancient Greece in 776 BC. These games were held in Olympia and were part of a festival to honor the Greek god Zeus. Only freeborn Greek men were allowed to compete in events like running, long jump, and wrestling.

2. Modern Revival: The modern Olympics were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian. The first modern Games took place in Athens, Greece, with 14 countries participating in 43 events.

3. Olympic Rings: The five interlocking rings—blue, yellow, black, green, and red—represent the continents of Africa, Asia, America, Europe, and Oceania. These colors were chosen because at least one of them appears on every national flag.

4. Olympic Motto: The Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which means “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” This motto encourages athletes to push their limits and strive for excellence in their sports.

5. The Olympic Flame: The tradition of the Olympic flame dates back to ancient Greece, where a flame was kept burning throughout the Games. In the modern Olympics, the flame is lit in Olympia and carried to the host city through a relay of torchbearers.

Milestones in Olympic History

6. First Women Competitors: Women first participated in the 1900 Paris Games, competing in tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrian, and golf. Today, women compete in almost all the same events as men.

7. Youth Olympic Games: The Youth Olympic Games were introduced in 2010 to provide a platform for young athletes aged 14 to 18 to compete internationally. These games feature a mix of traditional sports and unique events tailored for younger athletes.

8. The Paralympics: The Paralympic Games, which follow the Olympics, are for athletes with disabilities. These Games highlight incredible feats of strength, determination, and sportsmanship.

9. Record Breakers: Swimmer Michael Phelps holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals, with a total of 23. Meanwhile, gymnast Larisa Latynina has the most overall Olympic medals for a female athlete, with 18. The youngest recorded Olympian was 10-year-old Greek gymnast Dimitrios Loundras. The oldest was 72-year-old Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn.

It’s been nearly 12 years since 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty of the victims were children between six and seven years old, and the other six were adult staff members.

Now, as several of the survivors of the massacre graduate high school, they’re sharing their experiences and being a voice for those who were silenced on December 14, 2012. 

In an interview with Good Morning America’s George Stephanopoulos, six of the survivors bravely recount what they remember from that day. 

Harrowing Sandy Hook Memories

Three of the seniors were together in the same classroom that morning, as were two others in another classroom. Emma Ehrens was in a third classroom, with the gunman. 

The teens recall their teachers huddling them into cubbies and cabinets in the classroom and quietly reading winter stories to them. 

The most traumatizing moment, and one they remember the most, was their principal coming over the loud speaker. 

She addressed the students throughout the elementary school, instructing them to “get into their safe spots.” Then over the intercom, students heard the gunshot, and her voice went silent. 

Emma Ehrens was in one of the classrooms where Lanza opened fire. Through tears, she recalls being at the front of the class when he walked in and stood next to her. 

“I watched all of my friends drop,” she says. “One of the victims did not make it, and he told me and a couple other people to run, and we did,” she recalls. 

“We ran out of the classroom, out of the school, and on the way we saw bodies in the hallways and doors blown off the hinges, and we just ran and ran and ran out of the school, out of the parking lot.” 

It’s Never Over

Ella Seaver says she tries not to remember a lot of what unfolded that day. And while sometimes it helps to talk about it with those who also lived it, she says the digging up of such traumatic memories is terribly difficult. 

Her classmates all nodded in agreement. 

Seaver, who has been in and out of therapy her whole life following the shooting, hopes to become a therapist herself, after experiencing firsthand just how transformative it has been in overcoming trauma. 

“It’s really just helped me cope and help me learn about myself,” she says. “So I want to try and pay that forward and help people who have gone through gun violence, or even people who haven’t, who are just struggling with their daily life.”