Pictured: John Castillo speaks at the Nov. 14 memorial unveiling ceremony
In 2024, the request for support to build a memorial for Kendrick Castillo was met with an outpouring of generosity that spoke volumes about how deeply his story had touched this community. The $30,000 needed was raised within days, as donations poured in from people wanting to ensure Kendrick’s heroic legacy would endure.
That generosity came full circle on Friday, Nov. 14, as community members, local leaders, and the Castillo family gathered at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch to unveil the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Monument — a lasting tribute to a young man whose courage, kindness, and faith continue to guide and inspire.
A Monument of Meaning
At the monument’s base are three granite stepping stones that invite visitors to interact with the memorial. One of these stones features the impression of Kendrick’s actual footprints — allowing young people to literally “walk in his shoes” and reflect on what it means to “Be Like Kendrick.”
The center of the memorial holds a three-sided, seven-foot-tall black basalt column, a design rich with symbolism reflecting both the Castillo family of three and their deep Christian faith in the Holy Trinity. Each face of the tower honors a core part of Kendrick’s identity: one side features a cross with his full name and birthdate; another displays a fully wrapped, engraved American flag, recognizing his patriotism and love for his country; and the third depicts a bald eagle soaring above mountains beside an image of Kendrick sitting on his beloved Jeep.
Surrounding the column are seven engraved boulders, each representing a different facet of Kendrick’s life — from gears honoring his love of robotics, to the pi symbol marking his March 14 (3.14) birthday, to his favorite quotes from Zig Ziglar and Albert Einstein. A cross and Kendrick’s full name, representing faith as the “Foundation of a Hero.”
Built by the Community, for the Community
“We are deeply humbled and grateful to everyone who made this possible — especially our community — for honoring our heroic son, Kendrick,” said John and Maria Castillo. “We’re so thankful that there will now be a memorial where the community, survivors, and families can come to remember Kendrick and his incredible sacrifice. On May 7, 2019, he gave his life to protect his classmates and teachers from an act of evil, and this monument ensures that his courage and love will never be forgotten.”
The Kendrick Castillo Memorial Monument was made possible through the Douglas County Community Foundation and the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund and Oversight Committee — a partnership between the Castillo family, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, the Highlands Ranch Metro District, and the Douglas County Community Foundation — and through the generosity of community donors whose hearts came together in just days to bring this tribute to life.
To learn more or contribute to the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund, visit the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund and Oversight Committee webpage.