Preston Moore '12 - Distinguished Alumni of the Year 2024
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Mount Paran Christian School is pleased to announce our 2024 Alumnus of the Year, Preston Moore '12. Pictured are his sons Brooks (age 9) and Tripp (age 2) as well as his beautiful wife, Mary Lauren alongside Dr. Matt Kerlin.
Son of Tim and Kathy Moore of Atlanta, Georgia, Preston began his MPCS journey freshman year. Here, he participated in the England Study Abroad program and served as student body president his senior year. He fondly recalls making the final four at the Mock Trial State Tournament, attending Boys Nation, and winning two championships in a prestigious oratorical contest — earning him the American Legion’s Student of the Year award. Preston would like to thank his AP government teacher (high school college counselor) Amy Schwan for the exposure she gave him to these competitive platforms, each of which was formative in developing his passion for public speaking.
Preston graduated from MPCS in 2012 and began college at Wake Forest University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Georgetown University. In 2020, he graduated from Harvard Law School and married MPCS alumna Mary Lauren Ballard (class of 2012). He worked as a legal analyst at Korein Tillery in Chicago and began practicing law as a member of the business and tort litigation group at Jones Day in Atlanta. Preston now works as a personal injury and product liability plaintiff attorney at Beasley Allen.
A living testimony of God’s grace, Preston admits to having had some false notions of success when he was young. Preston states that he is beyond grateful that “the Lord chased me down as I ran headlong down the road to my own destruction and gave me life. He bought me back from my own sin, and He has promised to see me through to completion.”
As an exceptional mock trial participant at the high school and university levels as well as a passionate follower of Jesus, Preston has been a welcomed addition to the MPCS Mock Trial program. He accepted the head attorney coach position in 2021 and has led the team to continuous advancement: winning the Region title in year one, advancing through Region as a top-three finisher in year two, and advancing through Region and District to the State tournament in year three! Last month, the Legal Eagles attended the Yale Bulldog Invitational where Preston coached the team to a 3-3 record competing against Ivy League feeder schools. There, he mentored M. Harvey '26 who earned the highest individual attorney award in the entire competition of more than 250 students.
As a MPCS parent, Preston believes that this school will prepare his children to “obtain a solid Biblical foundation and Christ-centered life, that they may carry the cause of the Lord into the world.” Preston’s hard work, success, and godly influence over the next generation make him the model MPCS alumnus.
Congratulations, Preston Moore!