A very special event was recently held at Northside High School memorializing the life and legacy of Josue Flores, who tragically lost his life at age 11 when he was stabbed walking home from school.

His mother and other relatives cut the ribbon, unveiling a newly designed METRO bus shelter in his honor. Had he lived, Josue would have graduated from Northside this past May.

In 2016, his story galvanized the community and led to grassroots efforts to protect children, including the Safe Walk Home Program. 

METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran, METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert, Northside High Principal Cecilia Gonzales, and the school’s Wraparound Specialist, Deborah Denman, were among those who shared their thoughts about the importance of the day. Denman worked tirelessly with METRO to make it all happen. Stella Mireles, the founder of “Safe Walk Home” was also in attendance. 

"This is not something any parent should have to experience, and it is certainly not anything that any community should have to endure," said Ramabhadran. "We will never understand why such a promising life was cut short, but his spirit certainly lives on in this community." 

Lambert said the shelter holds significant meaning for METRO employees who helped construct it.

"This project was deeply personal for the many people at METRO who worked to make it a reality — people who are parents… grandparents… aunts, and uncles," he said.

Adorned with Northside High School's panther mascot and purple and white colors, the bus shelter features a photo of Flores with an inscription detailing his life, hopes, dreams, and legacy.

Gonzales said collaboration maximizes positive impacts on communities.

"This is a testament to what partnerships can accomplish when they put their minds together, she said." 

The Josue Flores Memorial Bus Stop Project is part of METRO's Adopt-A-Stop program. Adopt-a-Stop program volunteers pick up litter in the area between METRO's designated trash collection days and have the option to make general improvements to the grounds around the stop. Community volunteers and organizations who work to keep the stop clean receive six free round-trip passes per month from METRO.

Watch Video: METRO and the Near Northside community pay tribute to Josue Flores – unveiling a newly designed bus shelter honoring his life and legacy.