After nearly two decades under Frank DeAngelis’ leadership, Columbine High School has named a new principal. K.C. Somers—from nearby Blue Heron Elementary School—will step in for the venerable DeAngelis in July.

Last year, DeAngelis announced that the 2013-2014 year would be his last at the school. DeAngelis—who has been at the school for 35 years, 18 of which he served as principal—has been credited for his guidance following the mass shooting there in 1999.

“I can’t go in there to replace [DeAngelis], but just to continue with the traditions and pursuit of excellence,” Somers said, according to the Denver Post. “He’s synonymous with Columbine.”

I profiled DeAngelis in a story last year.