Motorists driving along Lucent Boulevard in Douglas County will now be greeted by signs honoring a young hero. The stretch of road between South Broadway and County Line Road has been renamed Kendrick Castillo Way, in tribute to the STEM School student who tragically lost his life while trying to stop a school shooter in 2019 according to KDVR.
The decision to rename the road was made by Douglas County Commissioners back in August. This gesture intends to permanently honor the actions of Kendrick Castillo, who fearlessly sacrificed his own life. According to his parents, the renaming serves as a means to ensure their son's bravery is not forgotten. "Everything in our lives from the day that he was born has been Kendrick. It was no different when we lost him; in fact, it elevated it. Our love for our son will be never-ending. We want people to remember his heroic action," said John Castillo, as per CBS News.
The daily visit to their son's gravesite by John and Maria Castillo remains a ritual of remembrance, yet now, the memory of Kendrick will be sparked in others as well. The renaming of roads is often reserved for fallen veterans and first responders, but Kendrick Castillo's heroism on that fateful day has rightfully earned him this posthumous recognition. By driving on Kendrick Castillo Way, community members will carry with them the memory of the young man whose actions exemplified selflessness and courage.
Kendrick's legacy will also serve to educate future generations. "When somebody looks up, and maybe it's somebody who wasn't born at the time of the shooting, and they ask who was Kendrick Castillo, they could have a conversation with their parents about a young man that gave his life to save others," said John Castillo, as obtained by Denver7. His mother played an integral role in installing the signs, ensuring that her son's sacrifice would continue to deeply resonate within the community.
