Inspire

A Message About the STEM School Highlands Ranch Shooting

May 09, 2019 By Donald E. Bossi, FIRST President
Team 4418 logo


On Tuesday, the FIRST community lost one of its own.  We are heartbroken by the death of Kendrick Castillo, a victim of the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado.

Kendrick was an active member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 4418, STEM IMPULSE, of which his father is a lead mentor. His mom is also a mentor/volunteer for the team. You can read more about Kendrick’s life and his incredible selflessness and bravery at Denver Post and CNN. All reports indicate he was an exemplary FIRST student, with strong character and a bright future ahead. Our hearts go out to Kendrick’s family, friends, peers, and all affected by the shooting.

Any time our world is struck by violence, and especially when it affects our young people, we feel the loss. It’s particularly painful when it directly impacts members of our community. We know our teams, alumni, volunteers, and supporters around the world are mourning with Team 4418. FIRST stands with Team 4418 and the entire Highlands Ranch community during this incredibly difficult time.

For members of the FIRST community wishing to support Team 4418, we’ve launched a fundraising campaign in support of Team 4418 and the family as they mourn and remember Kendrick and recover with all the victims in their community.

 

With my deepest condolences,

Don

 

For resources on helping young people cope after a school shooting, visit youth.gov.

 
Back to Blog