Carno and Castillo, encore team, speak at Douglas County Republican Women

Laura Carno is executive director of FASTER, short for Faculty/Administrator Safety Training & Emergency Response. FASTER has trained thousands in emergency medicine and emergency armed response. Instructors are from law enforcement. Those tak- ing the training learn what law enforcement has learned. Carno posed the question: “If there is a shooter in your school, what do you have in place?” How do we keep safe until law enforcement arrives? FASTER equips school employees so they are trained to avoid what CAN happen. John and Maria Castillo are often at FASTER courses. John actually took the training himself! The Castillos are parents of Kendrick Castillo, the courageous young man who rushed the shooters at STEM High School and sac- rificed his life. The threats were made 8 days prior on social media. Laura Carno as well as John Castillo feel the serious problem deserves more attention and are calling for us to be proactive. The Castillos are traveling around the state and country to advocate so others don’t have to experience the loss such as theirs.

Many teachers’ unions and school boards are not interested. Redundancy is needed for safety – layers of safety (some that no one knows about) to deter. Also needed on top of physical deterrents - humans who are trained and armed.

ABOVE, RIGHT: Wynne Shaw and Deborah Mulvey

LEFT: New DCRW member Patricia Anderson, Susan Squyer and Judith Jergensen

Photos by Scottie Iverson

Bal de Ballet hosts Mother-Daughter Tea at newly renovated Cherry Hills Country Club

As one of the first events at the newly completed renovation of prestigious Cherry Hills Country Club, Le Bal de Ballet 2023 Debutantes and their moms enjoyed a special tea. Elegant table arrangements complemented the pink theme. Exciting plans and lead up events continue for Denver Ballet Guild’s La Belle Epoque. On June 10, Debutantes and Young Men of Distinction will be presented at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House followed by the Grand Ball at Sheraton Downtown Denver.

– John Castillo, father of Kendrick Castillo who sacrificed his life by rushing shooters at STEM High School in Highlands Ranch