Young man killed in school shooting to be honored on Highway of Heroes.

Kendrick Castillo, the young man who gave his life protecting his classmates and friends when another student opened fire in his classroom the STEM School Highlands Ranch, is being honored in a pretty incredible way.

On Monday, Kendrick's parents, John and Maria Castillo, testified in front of the state legislature to ask that a section of C-470 be named the "Kendrick Castillo Memorial Highway." The measure was co-sponsored by several state lawmakers and passed by a unanimous vote.

Part of C-470 is already known as the Highway of Heroes and has sections dedicated to Danny Dietz, a Navy seal from Colorado killed in 2005 in Afghanistan, and another section for Dave Sanders, the teacher killed in the Columbine school shooting in 1999. 

Kendrick will now be memorialized forever with the section of C-470 between Santa Fe Drive and University Drive. Anyone now driving through the area will be reminded of Kendrick and his bravery.

It was an emotional day for everyone on Monday, and Kendrick’s parents—though forever heartbroken at the loss of their son—are glad that people will know Kendrick’s story and share his legacy. Kendrick left a lasting impact on the community, and he will never be forgotten. This renamed section of the highway is just one of the many ways the bright young student will be remembered. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the costs of renaming the highway and changing all the signs.  

We are happy that Kendrick will be honored in this way and love to see the community coming together to support his family. What Kendrick did will never be forgotten; he saved lives at the cost of his own, and that is a sacrifice we can never repay.

Kendrick would have turned 19 this week.

What do you think about Kendrick Castillo being added to the Highway of Heroes? Share with us in the comments.