Memorial Scholarship Seeks To Support Law Enforcement Professionals
Memorial Scholarship Seeks To Support Law Enforcement Professionals
By Tia Carol Jones
A scholarship at Loyola University Chicago School of Law seeks to remember the life and legacy of Chicago Police Officer Arèanah Preston.
The Arèanah Preston Memorial Scholarship will provide financial support to Chicago police officers and civilian staff, as well as students, interested in pursuing an education at the School of Law, who also demonstrate a commitment to public service, community impact and social justice. The aim of the scholarship is to empower talented law enforcement professionals to pursue legal education and career in law and law enforcement.
The Arèanah Preston Memorial Scholarship is named after the officer who was fatally shot in May 2023. Preston was set to graduate from Loyola University School of Law with a Master in Jurisprudence degree. Her degree was awarded posthumously during a graduation ceremony where her mother, Dionne Mhoon, accepted the degree on Preston’s behalf. The scholarship was possible through a gift from the Peace for Preston Foundation.
On Wednesday, Jan. 22nd, Mhoon, Preston’s sisters, Amirah and Amiyah, along with family and friends gathered, along with elected officials and law enforcement at Loyola University Schol of Law to announce the Arèanah Preston Memorial Scholarship.
Mark C. Reed, Ed.D, President of Loyola University Chicago, said the scholarship is a fitting legacy that will benefit the community and future generations of law enforcement officers and staff and serves as a permanent reminder and memorial to Preston. Michele Alexandre, Dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, said that classmates looked to Preston as a leader and remembered her kindness, intellect and commitment to service.
“Arèanah was a person who fought for justice,” Alexandre said. She added that by establishing the scholarship, the Peace for Preston Foundation is providing opportunities for more aspiring legal professionals to fight for social justice, be a force for good and to improve communities.
Illinois State Senator Elgie Sims said Preston was someone who was dedicated to doing good with what she was given, a God given talent. He added that Mhoon turned the pain of losing her daughter into purpose with the foundation and the scholarship. Michelle Harris, 8th Ward Alderman, thanked Mhoon for being unselfish and sharing her daughter’s story with the entire world.
“I have no doubt that it [The Arèanah Preston Memorial Scholarship] will support generations of leaders who will live and serve with integrity and courage, just like Arèanah,” Harris said.
Chief Yolanda Talley, representing the Chicago Police Department, said the scholarship will carry on Preston’s spirit of ambition, and love for those around her and in her community. She added that Preston left a light in the Chicago Police Department, as well as in the city of Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said he deeply respects the courage the Mhoon-Preston family has displayed during this time. He said that Preston walked in the authority of her conviction for truth and justice, and lived it.
For more information about the Peace for Preston Foundation, visit www.peaceforpreston.org.
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