On May 7, a teenager lunged toward a shooter who attacked his classroom at STEM School Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The brave act of Kendrick Castillo, 18, saved enough time for his classmates to hide under their desks. The attack left eight people injured and Kendrick as the only fatality. Kendrick’s father said that he thanks God for what his son did to save others’ lives, but he also said that another part of him wishes he just turned and ran. The shooters, Devon Michael Erickson and Alec McKinney, both face 48 counts for killing one student and wounding eight. Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared May 15 as Kendrick Castillo Day and tweeted, “Rest in peace, Kendrick. Your bravery won’t be forgotten.” According to one of his former friends, suspect Erickson was known to have bullied other students and joked about shootings, threatening other students for years. When the school’s officials were asked about how they dealt with the suspect when reports came in about his bullying, they declined to comment.
Hanna Jeong Staff Reporter
1. How did Kendrick Castillo save his classmates from the attack?
2. What did Kendrick’s father have to say about his son?
3. How did the school’s officials respond when asked about the suspect?
1. Why do you think school shootings have become reoccurring in the U.S.?
2. Do you think the government is doing enough to stop shootings?
3. How should schools deal with students that seem like they could become threats?
4. Do you think the current issue of school shootings will be resolved in the near future?
On May 7, a teenager lunged toward a shooter who attacked his classroom at STEM School Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The brave act of Kendrick Castillo, 18, saved enough time for his classmates to hide under their desks. The attack left eight people injured and Kendrick as the only fatality.
