CHANDLER, AZ — The East Valley community honored Preston Lord on Monday, which marked what would have been the teenager’s 17th birthday.
The City of Chandler recently declared September 23 “Preston Lord Day” in memory of the teen who died after a brutal attack by other teens attending a Halloween party last year.
“I'm hoping that, you know, we can come together with unity and celebration for Preston,” Nick Lord, Preston’s father, told ABC15 in an interview earlier this month. “It's a day that's going to be really tough for me, so I'm celebrating the day regardless. I'm hoping that some people make time and come out and celebrate with us.”
Watch more from our one-on-one interview with the Lord family in the video player below:
The community was encouraged to wear orange, Preston’s favorite color, and “live like Preston.” Nick said that means, “not complaining, being grateful, and being happy with what you have.”
“He was genuine, he was kind, he was loving, and he wanted a future for himself, and he worked hard for it," Preston's stepmother, Melissa, said. "And he also wanted a good future for his friends and family and those that were in his life."
One event took place at The Stillery in Chandler, which included a butterfly release, speakers, a celebration of his life, and live music.
"This is a declaration that violence is not tolerated in our community," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke.
At the event, Preston's closest friends and mother also spoke.
"He was my buddy, my boy, my friend," said Preston's mom, Autumn Curiel. "And I was and always will be so proud of him, as I told him almost daily."
A sea of orange has surrounded the Lord family since the beginning, and in March when seven people were arrested and charged with murder in Preston's case.
"I'm a mom myself so it could have been any of our children," said community advocate Bridget Vega.
A long legal road is still ahead, but Monday was about Preston. His family announced scholarships and youth CPR courses in honor of the teen. They also handed out new "light the night" signs and are hoping to reignite the push that started in November of last year.
Family also took time to thank the community for their support.
"Thank you for loving my son and continue to stand for who he was," said Curiel. "I love you, dude. Happy birthday."
According to the Justice4PrestonLord Facebook page, there were multiple other ways to honor the teen from placing yard signs to attending separate events at local businesses, and more.
