President Obama and Newtown superintendent take a stand

(WTNH) -- The President invoked Sandy Hook and the students and educators killed there in his push today for tougher gun controls but he wasn't alone in his effort to curb gun violence. The Newtown Superintendent of Schools getting a lot of attention speaking today on Capitol Hill.

The President talked tough saying he will do whatever it takes for these stricter gun laws to be adopted. It could be a tough political fight but for the parents who lost children at Sandy Hook and Newtown's school superintendent there is no choice but to succeed.

The parents of 7-year-old Grace McDonnell hearing the President call for sweeping new gun controls all in the name of those killed at Sandy Hook.

"We must act now, for Grace, for the 25 other innocent children and devoted educators who had so much left to give," said President Obama.

The initiative is a direct result of what happened at the Newtown school just one month ago.

The proposal includes 23 executive actions but others must be approved by Congress including outlawing the very weapons used by the shooter at Sandy Hook.

"Congress should restore a ban on military style assault weapons and a ten round limit for magazines," said President Obama.

She's not a politician, but Newtown Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Robinson is getting a lot of attention speaking before a Congressional panel on gun violence.

"This loving little elementary school was helpless in the face of this assault. 20 beautiful and innocent little first graders were lost that day in a senseless act. They were no match for a troubled person with an AR 15," said Dr. Robinson.

Dr. Robinson revealing how surviving students are still afraid of loud noises and are fearful in class. This educator from a once seemingly ideal upscale Connecticut suburb put lawmakers on the spot when it comes to creating a safe school.

"How do we let our children freely enjoy being children? So help me give these children their futures," said Dr. Robinson.

It is the name President Obama signed on the executive action but the names Sandy Hook, Newtown and the 26 victims are there too.

"Recognizing that we honor their memories in part by doing everything we can to prevent this from happening again," said President Obama.