Jennifer Lopez is raising her voice in support of her high school alma mater, Preston High School in the Bronx, New York, which is facing the heartbreaking prospect of closure at the end of the current school year. The multi-talented star took to her Instagram Stories on April 14 to share a heartfelt message of support for the school and the community fighting to keep it open.

Lopez, who graduated from Preston High School in 1987, expressed her deep emotional connection to the school and its legacy. “As a proud alumna of Preston High School, I am deeply moved to see the students, families, and local officials making their voices heard during this challenging time. I see and hear you,” she wrote. “The support from the community is truly inspiring, and I hope they can find a path forward that honors the school’s legacy. #PrestonForever,” Lopez added.

Her message was paired with throwback photos from her time at Preston High, including one where she is seen wearing a jacket with the school’s emblem and another showing her participating in track events. These personal snapshots underscore her connection to the school and her ongoing support of its students and alumni.

The Closure of Preston High School

Founded in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, Preston High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school. The school’s board of trustees made the difficult decision to close its doors due to financial instability, declining enrollment, and changing demographics. Over the past 13 years, the school’s enrollment has decreased by 30%, leading to a substantial reduction in funding.

The closure announcement came in February, and the school’s board reiterated their decision in a March statement, emphasizing that the closure was final and would not be reversed, despite efforts to save the school. The Sisters of the Divine Compassion, who own the school, expressed support for the decision, stating that they would not entertain any circumstances that would alter the closure.

This news has left many, including Lopez, disheartened, as the community of students, alumni, and local supporters continues to rally for a solution. The Bronx Times reported that New York State Attorney General Letitia James held a hearing in response to the ongoing appeals, during which more than three hours of testimony were heard from generations of women who had attended the school. The hearing was convened after an offer from the Bally’s Foundation to purchase and help fund repairs for the school was turned down by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion.

A Glimmer of Hope

The Bally’s Foundation’s offer to purchase Preston High School for $8.5 million, along with an additional $1.5 million for repairs, would have allowed the school to continue operating while offering a long-term lease agreement. This offer has sparked controversy, especially given the lack of explanation for its rejection, further fueling the ongoing debate over the school’s future. Despite the decision being deemed final by the board, there is still hope for a potential resolution, as the Attorney General’s office has pledged to conduct a thorough analysis of the situation.

A Personal Connection to the Cause

Jennifer Lopez’s involvement adds a layer of public awareness to the fight to save Preston High School. As an alumna with a deep connection to the school, Lopez’s message brings both visibility and emotion to the cause. While the financial and logistical challenges may seem daunting, the outpouring of support from the community, including Lopez, offers a glimmer of hope that the legacy of Preston High School might continue, even if the path forward remains uncertain.

As the fight to save Preston High School continues, Lopez’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of community, heritage, and the powerful impact that educational institutions have on shaping the futures of young people. Her support highlights the ongoing significance of Preston High School, not only as an academic institution but as a beloved part of the Bronx community’s history.