The History Department encourages our students to be aware of multi-cultural, religious, social, ethnic, and global concerns. With this in mind, we work toward facilitating an appreciation among our students for cultures different from their own and toward generating the understanding that the world is a “global community.”
Our goal is that each student, by graduation, will be able to locate countries on a map or globe; identify major problems and solutions in an area or region; compare cultures, religious beliefs, social customs, and ethnic differences from an historical perspective. In addition, our students will become aware and tolerant of the diversity of different peoples. To achieve those ends, the students will apply political, social and economic principles to other areas or regions; utilize a decision-making process to solve problems; use historical data to test their feelings and biases; and use computer technology for both research and presentation of projects. As these ends become realities, the students will engage in the work of a scholar—research, writing, analytical reading, identification of causes and effects, and problem solving.
- BS - Maj: Communication Min: Journalism and History - SUNY-Purchase College (2023)
Ms. Gannon has been enthusiastically involved with Preston High School since she was a student here herself. After graduating in 2019, she attended the University of New Haven and SUNY Purchase College to study Communications and History. She is currently studying for her M.A. in Social Studies Education at Hunter College.
Ms. Gannon came back to Preston in 2023 to do faculty coverages and is now teaching History. She loves the comforting atmosphere of the school and is happy to be back!
- MA - History - Hunter College (2015)
- BA - History - Hunter College CUNY (2019)
Eugenia Wolovich received her BA and Masters in History from Hunter College, CUNY. Before that, Eugenia was a Preston Panther, class of 2010.
Her interest in education first developed while working at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in the Education Department, partnering with middle schools over the tristate area to bring the history of the Holocaust from the museum setting and into the classroom. But, her love of history and learning came earlier than that; it developed in Preston's very own mansion - in room 4 - with her AP United States History teacher, Mrs. Mierzwa.
Eugenia has taught United States History & Government Regents Level and Honors Level (in partnership with SUNY Albany), Advanced Placement United States History, Economics & Government, History of Women and Public Policy (both courses in partnership with SUNY Albany), Global 1 History and Geography Regents and Honors Level.
She is also moderator of the Junior Ambassador program (see our Co-Curricular page) as well as one of the Group Leaders for the school's international trips since 2023.
She enjoys bike rides, everything bagels, and traveling the world!
- BA - BA History - American University (1996)
- JD - Juris Doctor - Hofstra University (2002)
Jennifer Connolly studied History at American University in Washington, DC, while also volunteering at the White House and interning at the Civil War Trust. She then studied Law at Hofstra University School of Law, and is a licensed New York State attorney. She has had fellowships at George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, as well as having studied at the Supreme Court of the United States, and has been a member of several Teacher Councils, including the Bill of Rights Institute, Council on Foreign Relations, Icivics, and the National Constitution Center.
Jennifer has taught Global History & Geography 1 and 2, United States History & Government, Advanced Placement United States History, Economics & Government, Introduction to Law, and Honors Humanities- A Study of Race, Class, and Gender in the U.S.
Prior to becoming Principal, Jennifer served as the Founding Director of the Preston Scholars Program, History Department Chair, and Assistant Dean of Students.
"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau
- BA - BA History and Education - Manhattanville College (2013)
- BA - Adolescent Education - Social Studies 7-12 - Iona College (2022)
- MS - Special Education All Grades - Iona University (2025)
Amanta Krasniqi holds a bachelor's degree in adolescent education from Iona University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in special education and literacy for students in grades K-12. Her passion for history and education was nurtured from a young age, growing up in a family of academics and professors with roots in Albania, Kosovo, and the United States.
Ms. Krasniqi has a deep love for teaching Global History, as it offers insights into the origins of humanity and the development of the world as we know it. In addition to her history classes, she teaches Government and Economics, where she inspires her students to become informed and engaged future leaders in business and politics.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Krasniqi serves as the moderator for several clubs, including the Balkan Club, the Future Lawyers Club, and the Pretty N Personal Club. In her leisure time, she enjoys climbing the picturesque mountains of Albania with her family, as well as indulging in her passions for reading and fashion.