The Legacy of Sierra Soto

College commencements are joyous affairs, with graduates celebrating triumph after years of hard work and study. But last weekend’s Cal State Fullerton ceremony had a bittersweet note, marked by the mother who received a master’s degree hood and the daughter who was not there to share the happiness.

Cindy Soto was the single mother of 4-year-old Sierra, one of two children killed last month by a man who police say drove his Cadillac into the playground of a Costa Mesa preschool because he wanted to “execute” innocent children.

Soto pinned a gold angel and shooting star to her black robe. She gestured skyward, reflecting her belief that her daughter is in heaven. And she shared the hugs and tears of her fellow graduates.

Before the ceremony, Soto set up a booth in front of the Titan bookstore. There she sought support for several pieces of legislation, including a proposal that playgrounds be marked by physical barriers, walls and fences that make it difficult to see the children at play.

Whatever merits legislators may find in them, they deserve to be debated. Her desire to bring something positive out of tragedy deserves commendation.

Soto, who will receive her degree in psychology after completing her thesis, acknowledged the difficulty of attending the ceremony. But she said her attendance signified that the driver of the car had not won. Her presence also gave her the opportunity to tell well-wishers of her loss and her desire for the new legislation.

The killing of Sierra Soto and 3-year-old Brandon Wiener made no sense. To the school’s teachers, parents and the community at large, there was no answer to the question, “Why?” The driver of the car had no link to the school or anyone there.

Cindy Soto’s reception of her hood at Cal State Fullerton was a demonstration of courage and resilience that should lift the spirits of everyone.