Preston Lord Day
We've come a long way, but we still have a way to go.
“Today is about remembering Preston as a son, brother, friend, student, athlete, and young man.”
His life cannot be reduced to the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Preston was a life before he was a case.” A life full of hope, plans for his future education, and friends.
He was a young man with dreams, potential, laughter, and a future that should have stretched decades ahead of him.
His life mattered.
Every person attending Preston Lord Day is demonstrating that his life matters.
Mental Health matters and It's okay not to be okay, especially with our youth.
Young people are carrying pressures that aren't always visible.
Anxiety, depression, loneliness, anger, grief, bullying, social pressure, and fear can affect anyone.
Sometimes the person who needs help the most is the person saying the least.
Asking “Are you okay?” and genuinely listening matters.
Seeking help is not weakness—it is strength.
“We need to create a community where young people don't feel like they have to suffer in silence.”
Violence can begin with seemingly smaller behaviors: bullying, humiliation, threats, harassment, online conflict, retaliation, and the desire to impress others.
One bad decision can permanently change multiple families' lives.
“Violence doesn't just affect the person who is attacked. It changes families, friendships, schools, and entire communities.”
Preston's death should not be just another story.
Preston's death was devastating and it also forces the community to confront difficult questions about youth violence.
What can we do differently?
How do we recognize warning signs?
How do we teach young people to handle conflict?
How do we make it easier for kids to ask for help?
How do we create safer spaces for young people?
“Remember Preston—and decide what you're going to do differently because of him.”
Change doesn't happen through one organization or one person. It happens when people decide to participate.
This week, I challenge you to:
Check on one friend.
Speak up when something isn't right.
Refuse to participate in bullying or violence.
Walk away from situations that could escalate.
“Preston should be here.
We cannot change what happened to Preston. But we can decide what happens next.
We can choose kindness over cruelty. Courage over silence. Accountability over excuses. And community over indifference.
Preston's life mattered. Preston's story matters. And if we truly want to honor him, then we have to turn our grief into action.
Don't just remember Preston. Be part of the reason another family doesn't have to experience this kind of loss.
“If you knew one decision could change someone's life forever, would you make that decision?”
“Because that's the reality of every choice we make.”
Thank you to this community for taking a stance for teen violence awareness by showing up, just your presence speaks volumes to your commitment to Justice4Prestonlord.
Melissa Ciconte
September 23, 2026