By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Strawberry Mansion High School is one of the 37 schools the School District of Philadelphia plans on closing. On Thursday night, concerned residents gathered to see if there is anything they could do to save the school.

It was a two-hour meeting at the school, filled with passion about Strawberry Mansion High. From alumnus like Anthony Nicholson, class of ’88.

“It means a lot, it really does. It would be devastating. It’s going to be difficult closing this school down.”

To those like Ms. Russell, who lives a few blocks away. Her children are current Strawberry Mansion students.

“Actually just started going here and it’s convenient for them to get to and from school. My concern is about them going to a different neighborhood school that’s out of the area.”

At the meeting, it was a chance to organize and prepare for a district-run community meeting Tuesday at Dobbins High School. A daunting task seen my some, but there was a sense of optimism from those like Rick, born and raised in the neighborhood.

“I’m hopeful, I’m prayerful and, you know, the struggle continues but victory is certain.”