In observation of the Veterans Day holiday, all County offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Offices will reopen for regular hours on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Many County services are available 24/7 on our Online Services webpage.
In observation of the Veterans Day holiday, all County offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Offices will reopen for regular hours on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Many County services are available 24/7 on our Online Services webpage.
Community members helped fund the $30,000 memorial and scholarship fund within a matter of days
Posted on November 7, 2025 2025News and Events
When the call went out in 2024 asking the community to help fund a memorial for Kendrick Castillo, the response was immediate — and overwhelming. Within just a few days, the $30,000 goal was fully funded, with donations continuing to pour in from people eager to help honor a young man whose bravery continues to inspire us all.
On May 7, 2019, Kendrick Castillo, a senior at STEM School Highlands Ranch, made the ultimate sacrifice when he gave his life to protect his classmates during a school shooting. His act of heroism forever changed our community and reminded the world of the strength found in courage, kindness, and faith — even in the darkest moments.
“The community’s donations speak volumes about the kind of young man Kendrick was — and the kind of community we are,” said Commissioner Kevin VanWinkle, “People wanted to give, to build something lasting that reflects the hero Kendrick will always be, a young man whose courage and heart saved lives.”
Now, that vision is a reality. You’re invited to join us for the unveiling of the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Monument at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch. Together, we’ll celebrate not only the lasting tribute to a young man whose compassion continues to inspire, but also the unity of a community that came together to make it possible.
The Meaning Behind the Memorial
Every element of the seven-foot-tall Kendrick Castillo Memorial Monument was designed to reflect Kendrick’s core values — his deep faith, love of family and friends, devotion to country, and passion for science and nature:
Surrounding the monument are seven engraved boulders, each holding personal details that tell Kendrick’s story — from gears symbolizing his love of robotics, to tire treads from his Jeep, to two of his favorite quotes.
The memorial 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.
Everyone is welcome to attend this special event and celebrate a young man whose bravery continues to shine as a beacon of hope in Douglas County.
To learn more or contribute to the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund, visit the Kendrick Castillo Memorial Fund and Oversight Committee webpage.
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