December 14

Born in 1843, Princess Alice married Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse, becoming Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine. She was beloved for her deep Christian faith and tireless efforts in nursing and social welfare. During a smallpox outbreak, she personally cared for ill family members and local residents, tragically contracting the disease herself. Her dedication to nursing and public health initiatives earned her admiration across Europe. Alice’s early death at age 35 in 1878 deeply affected Queen Victoria and the royal family. Her humanitarian spirit and legacy continue to be honored in nursing history and royal charity traditions.

A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. (1928–1998) was an American lawyer, judge, and influential civil rights activist. He served as a professor at Harvard Law School before his appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1977. Higginbotham became one of the first African Americans to serve on a federal appellate court. He authored important decisions advancing equal treatment under the law and championed judicial reform. A passionate speaker and writer, he advocated for racial justice, workers’ rights, and ethical governance. His memoirs and scholarly works remain essential resources in legal education and civil rights history.

Born in 1920, Sheeran served in World War II before joining the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He climbed the union ranks as a business agent and negotiator for the local chapter. Sheeran cultivated close ties with the Bufalino crime family, becoming known as a trusted enforcer. In later years, he claimed responsibility for high-profile mob hits in the bestselling book I Heard You Paint Houses. He died in 2003, leaving a controversial legacy at the intersection of organized labor and organized crime.

Victoria Leigh Soto was a dedicated first-grade teacher whose selfless actions on December 14, 2012, saved the lives of her students at Sandy Hook Elementary School. As the tragedy unfolded, Soto hid her pupils in closets and covered them with her own body, shielding them from harm. Her bravery and sacrifice earned her national recognition and numerous posthumous honors, including the Presidential Citizens Medal. Soto's legacy lives on through scholarships and foundations established in her name to support educators and promote school safety. She is remembered as a symbol of courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable danger.