Alex's Legacy Compass logo Alex's Legacy Compass
Alexander Mackiewicz Alex's Legacy Compass logo — a heart of wings around a compass star

Alex's Legacy Compass

"Where compassion leads, his legacy follows."

A Colorado nonprofit founded in memory of Alexander Mackiewicz — recognizing kindness in students, standing with the school resource officers who protect them, and fighting for safer roads for every family.

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What We Do

One child at a time

After Alex's passing, his classmates wrote that "he made everything around him a better place." Alex's Legacy Compass exists to keep that difference growing.

Recognize Kindness

Together with Douglas County School Resource Officers, we select students who embody kindness and compassion — and honor them with awards, laptops, and Chromebooks to help them soar.

Promote Safety

Safety is care. We join the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and school district at events like Bicycle Safety Day, and champion the everyday awareness that brings kids home safe.

Change the Law

We helped pass Colorado SB26-072, strengthening penalties for vehicular homicide and assault — so negligent and distracted drivers are held accountable, and no family endures what ours has.

Alex's Story

A better place, because he was in it

Alexander "Alex" Mackiewicz was a 13-year-old student at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He loved his friends, his family, and riding his one-wheel.

On March 6, 2024, Alex was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding to school. His loss devastated a community — and moved it. His classmates' letter said it best:

"He made everything around him a better place. He made a difference in so many kids' lives." — A letter from Alex's classmates

His mother, Victoria, founded Alex's Legacy Compass so that the kindness Alex spread would keep spreading. Buddy benches — places to sit down, include someone, and be a friend — now stand at his elementary school and at Toepfer Park, dedicated in his name.

Victoria sitting on Alex's buddy bench
Advocacy

The law: Colorado SB26-072

In April 2025, Victoria testified before the Colorado legislature, telling Alex's story so other families would be spared the same knock on the door. The bill — sponsored by Senator John Carson — increases penalties for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, holding negligent and distracted drivers accountable.

May 28, 2026
Signed into law
September 1, 2026
Took effect statewide
CBS News Colorado
Watch Alex's story

As Senator Carson shared, Alex's story was a catalyst for this law. It all started here in Douglas County — and it will protect families across Colorado.

Awards & Recognition

Making a difference, one smile at a time

Victoria speaking at a Legacy Compass award ceremony

Who better understands our kids in schools than School Resource Officers — the guardians of safety and mentors of hope? We've partnered with Douglas County SROs to recognize and promote compassion and care, selecting students who embody kindness — making a difference one day, one action, one smile at a time.

2026 · SkyView Academy

Grace Stermole

Presented with a laptop by Alex's Legacy Compass, nominated by SRO Deputy Walker of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

2026 · Summit View Elementary

Chase Sawyer — Alex's Buddy Award

Received the Alex's Buddy Award and a Chromebook. Weeks later, Chase rode his bike to Victoria's home to hand-deliver a thank-you note — glowing with kindness.

May 2025

The first Legacy Compass award

Our very first student recognition — the beginning of a tradition of honoring quiet kindnesses in Douglas County schools.

News

The journey so far

Follow along on Facebook

Recaps

Recaps

Our story, in video.

October 24, 2026 — A year in review

The recap video shared on what would have been Alex's 16th birthday.

Press play to watch it right here — no account needed.