The City of Chandler Proclaims September 23rd as Preston Lord Day
CHANDLER, Arizona — The City of Chandler has officially proclaimed September 23rd as Preston Lord Day to honor the life of the East Valley teen who was tragically killed in a group assault last year. Sep. 23 would have been Preston’s 17th birthday, and in remembrance, his family and friends, along with dozens of community members, gathered at The Stillery in Chandler to celebrate his life.
During the event, attendees donned orange, Preston’s favorite color, as well as jerseys representing his favorite sports teams. Preston, a student at Combs High School, was not only passionate about sports like basketball, football, and golf, but he was also known for his kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support for those around him.
The evening featured a touching memorial butterfly release, symbolizing Preston’s spirit and presence among loved ones. Melissa Ciconte, Preston’s stepmother, remarked on the significance of a butterfly landing near her heart, feeling that it was Preston showing his pride in the ongoing efforts to honor his legacy.
Booths were set up at the event where residents could pick up Justice 4 Preston signs and bracelets, as well as Light the Night yard signs. Light the Night is a campaign urging residents to illuminate their front yards in solidarity for justice for Preston and raising awareness about teen violence in the community.
Despite the tragic circumstances of Preston’s passing, his story has spurred positive change in various communities. In Chandler, ordinances have been enacted to combat unruly gatherings and ban brass knuckles for minors. Preston Lord Day serves as a reminder that violence will not be tolerated, with Mayor Kevin Hartke declaring a commitment to keeping Chandler a safe place.
The impact of Preston’s life continues to resonate, prompting initiatives like free CPR training courses to empower individuals to respond in emergencies. Preston’s family attributes the extra time they had with him after the assault to the brave friends who performed CPR that night.
As we reflect on the legacy of Preston Lord, we reaffirm our commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities in his honor. Through remembrance, advocacy, and unity, we can strive to prevent tragedies like Preston’s from happening again.
Teen Violence Awareness
Stay informed about news and stories related to teen violence in the Valley by subscribing to the 12News YouTube channel for updates.
For more 12News content and live streaming, download the 12News+ app to watch daily newscasts, weather updates, and special features at your convenience. Stay connected with the latest developments and stories from Arizona with 12News+ on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
