'It's a family': Community reacts to impending closure of Preston High School

THROGGS NECK, Bronx (PIX11) -- Attorney General Letitia James held a public hearing in Throggs Neck in light of Preston High School’s announcement in February to close down at the end of the school year.

Dozens of people showed up to address the emotional and academic impact the impending closing of the all-girls catholic Preston High School has had.

“I’m being split up, tortured, and I won’t get to graduate with my friends,” said Eliana Mayi, an 11th grader.

Elisa Topha’s children are part of the school. She says, “Preston is not just a building. It's a family, a community, there’s heart, there’s love, the teachers, the administration, the staff, they are exceptional.”

The sisters of the Divine Compassion own the land that Preston High School sits on. The school administration had tried to buy the campus, but after a year and a half of negotiations, no agreement was reached. In February of this year, the sisters announced the school would close permanently in June, citing changes in demographics, infrastructure issues, and financial struggles.

In a YouTube video posted in February, the sisters of the Divine Compassion say, “Enrollment has been steady, and there’d been a few people added each year; however, it's not enough for the school to be financially viable.”

But at Tuesday’s meeting, families highlighted that closing the school would put minority students at a disadvantage, not only academically, but also athletically, since many students would lose their scholarships. 

“I just won a championship and I’m so excited for next year,” says Kasenia O’Neil, a 9th grader, adding, “but now I won't have to go to another school where I won’t be accepted as much as here.”

The school is set to close after over 75 years in the community, grabbing attention at the state level, causing Attorney General Letitia James to step in. The AG spent much of the hearing asking questions to staff and students to gauge the situation.

James’ office oversees nonprofits, including the sisters of the Divine Compassion. Parents are hoping this is a step in the right direction to finding a solution.

“Why can't we keep our home for another 8 years while the nuns also have what they need?” asked Topha.

It’s unclear what the next steps would be to keep the high school open, which currently enrolls over 300 girls.