In a heartfelt and passionate statement, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has commended the collective effort that led to the salvation of Preston High School, calling the successful campaign a shining example of what can be achieved through unity, advocacy, and shared purpose.

Following news of the landmark agreement brokered by Attorney General Letitia James to keep the historic all-girls Catholic school in the Bronx open for the foreseeable future, Borough President Gibson released an official statement emphasizing the importance of community action in preserving institutions that matter most.

“Today’s announcement reflects the power we hold as a community when we come together to fight for our scholars and institutions of learning that help shape their futures,” Gibson declared. “Since learning of Preston’s proposed closure, we have worked closely with community leaders, families, alumni, and elected officials to advocate for our students and for this beloved school.”

Gibson noted the overwhelming support her office received from across the Bronx, underscoring just how deeply Preston High School is cherished—not just by those directly connected to it, but by the wider community.

“We’ve already witnessed the painful closure of too many Catholic schools in our borough,” she said. “But this outcome is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together with shared determination and purpose. The fight to keep Preston open was never just about one school — it was about standing up for educational opportunity, for the institutions that strengthen our communities, and for the future of our young people.”

Opened in 1947, Preston High School has long been a beacon of academic excellence, character development, and service, shaping generations of young women into leaders. Gibson praised the enduring legacy of the school and the significance of its survival in the face of closure.

She extended special thanks to Attorney General Letitia James and the Charities Bureau, the school’s Principal Jennifer Connolly, staff, parents, alumni, educators, and supporters from the Throggs Neck community, including the Bally’s Foundation, whose acquisition and long-term lease agreement secured the school’s future.

“It was through our collective commitment and unwavering partnership that we were able to preserve this treasured institution,” Gibson said. “I’m honored to stand with the Preston family in this moment and excited for what lies ahead. Congratulations to all! Let’s continue to build on this legacy of excellence and ensure that every Preston scholar receives the future she deserves.”