In a shocking turn of events, the religious order that has long overseen Preston High School in the Bronx has announced that it can no longer continue to operate the esteemed institution. This decision has sent shockwaves through the school community, leaving students, parents, and alumni reeling from the news.
The Sisters of the Divine Compassion, the religious order that has owned and operated Preston High School since its founding in 1947, cited financial difficulties and declining enrollment as the primary reasons for their inability to continue running the school. This announcement has left many in the Preston community feeling blindsided and uncertain about the future of the beloved institution.
Preston High School has a long and storied history in the Bronx, known for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and close-knit community. Generations of students have passed through its halls, forging lifelong friendships and receiving a top-notch education. The school has also been a beacon of hope and opportunity for many young women in the Bronx, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond.
As news of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion’s decision spread, supporters of Preston High School quickly mobilized to try to save the school from closure. A group of concerned parents, alumni, and community members have launched a campaign to appeal to the New York attorney general for assistance. They are calling on the attorney general to intervene and help find a solution that will allow Preston High School to remain open and continue serving the young women of the Bronx.
According to Sister Mary Ann Collins, the president of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, the decision to close Preston High School was not made lightly. She explained that the order has been facing financial challenges for some time, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on enrollment and fundraising efforts. Despite their best efforts to keep the school afloat, Sister Mary Ann stated that the order simply cannot continue to operate Preston High School in its current form.
The news of Preston High School’s potential closure has sparked an outpouring of support from the school community. Alumni have taken to social media to share their memories of their time at Preston and express their sadness at the prospect of the school shutting its doors. Parents have organized fundraisers and letter-writing campaigns in an effort to save the school, while students have held rallies and protests to show their solidarity.
In a statement released to the press, the New York attorney general’s office acknowledged the concerns raised by supporters of Preston High School and pledged to review the situation carefully. The attorney general’s office has the authority to investigate charitable organizations like the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and ensure that they are fulfilling their obligations to the public. Supporters of Preston High School are hopeful that the attorney general will step in and help find a solution that will allow the school to continue operating for years to come.
As the fate of Preston High School hangs in the balance, the school community remains united in their determination to save the institution that has meant so much to so many. With the support of the New York attorney general and the dedication of its passionate supporters, there is hope that Preston High School will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of this beloved Bronx institution, but one thing is certain: the spirit of Preston High School will endure, no matter what challenges may come its way.