New Road Sign Honors Hero Kendrick Castillo in Douglas County
In a poignant tribute to heroism, Douglas County has officially renamed Lucent Boulevard to Kendrick Castillo Way, honoring the only victim of the 2019 STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting. Kendrick Castillo, just three days shy of his high school graduation, was killed while bravely tackling the shooter, preventing further loss of life among his peers.
Kendrick’s parents, John and Maria Castillo, expressed their deep gratitude for the recognition. "Everything in our lives from the day that he was born has been Kendrick," John Castillo stated. “We want people to remember his heroic action.” The couple maintains a daily ritual of visiting their son’s gravesite, a routine now enriched by the community’s efforts to honor Kendrick’s legacy.
The renaming ceremony, approved by county commissioners in August, took place recently, and Maria Castillo participated in tightening the final screws on the new signs. John Castillo reflected on the emotional impact of driving along Kendrick Castillo Way, stating, "The rush of emotion" was overwhelming.
Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon emphasized that the name signifies a "way of life"—a call to face challenges and dangers head-on, embodying Kendrick’s courageous spirit. The road will now serve as a reminder of the young man whose selfless act saved lives.
As the Castillo family navigates the difficult anniversary period, they remain hopeful that Kendrick’s story will stimulate dialogue around youth mental health. They want future generations to ask, “Who is Kendrick Castillo?” and engage in conversations about sacrifice and courage. Alongside these efforts, plans for a permanent memorial at Civic Green Park are in progress, further ensuring Kendrick’s legacy is never forgotten.
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