News

The Connetquot High School boys volleyball, field hockey, cheerleading and kickline teams raised close to $6,000 during a DezyStrong fundraiser on Sept. 29. 

The DezyStrong Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established by Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2019. During his 11- month battle with cancer, Mr. DiStefano, a Connetquot resident, managed to spread the message about the importance of a “Strong Mind Strong Body.” It was adopted as a mantra among young athletes and the community, as well as the importance of a positive mindset and a healthy lifestyle.

During an evening of sports, the student-athletes hosted dinner, a 50-50 raffle and the sale of Dezy gear with all proceeds going to the foundation. 

 

Photo captions:

A: Connetquot High School athletes raised close to $6,000 during a DezyStrong fundraiser on Sept. 29. 

 

B: Student-athletes at Connetquot High School raised money for the DezyStrong Foundation with a 50-50 raffle.

 

C: Connetquot High School’s boys volleyball team played DezyStrong during a foundation fundraiser.

 

D: The Connetquot High School field hockey team joined the boys volleyball, cheerleading and kickline teams to raise money for the DezyStrong Foundation.

 

Photos courtesy of the Connetquot Central School District 

On Sept. 25, a group of teachers from Sagamore Middle School in the Sachem Central School District participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5K. The event symbolized New York City firefighter Stephen Siller’s final footsteps from the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers while paying homage to the firefighters, law enforcement officers and civilians who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Not only did 10 Sagamore teachers participate in the race, the team raised more than $6,000 ahead of the event to honor U.S. military members and first responders.

 

Photo caption: Sagamore’s Tunnel to Towers team was made up of staff members April Ackery-Dahn, Dana Benic, Gillian Kolodny, Deborah Moore, Lori Pritchett, Meghan Rossi, Joann Spatola, team captain Vanessa Sullivan, Jennifer Torquato and Tiziano Torquato.

 

Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Westhampton Beach Elementary School students raised more than $20,000 for their school through their annual Hurricane Fun Run, held Sept. 30. 

As part of the PTA-sponsored event, students gathered pledges to run laps on the high school football field. Leading up to the event, they participated in spirit days.

All of the funds raised will go directly toward cultural and academic enrichment programs at the elementary school.     

 

Photo caption: Westhampton Beach Elementary School students raised funds for school programs by participating in the annual Hurricane Fun Run on Sept. 30.

 

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach Union Free School District

Shoreham-Wading River High School girls varsity tennis players showcased their talents when they participated in the Play for Pink Tournament, held at Ward Melville High School on Sept. 24. The round-robin doubles tournament raised funds for Good Samaritan Hospital Breast Health Center. The tournament is a Suffolk County Tennis Coaches Association event. 

“We take great pride in our student-athletes using their on-court skills for exceptional community causes,” Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nurses Mr. Mark Passamonte said. “Having opportunities like this further encourages awareness of important issues as well as healthy practices among our school community.”

 

Photo caption: Standing (L-R): Shoreham-Wading River High School girls varsity tennis players Nina Nelson, Reese Nelson, Emily DesRoches, Elizaveta Undras, Emily Martinez, Mia Wentz and coach Debbie Lutjen. Kneeling (L-R): Hannah Rafuse and Chloe Jaeger.

 

Photo courtesy of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

This year the Varsity Kickline team dedicates their seasons to Joe.

Join the Varsity Kickline team in our t-shirt fundraiser where all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society in Joe Killeen’s name. Use the link for sizing and payment.

 

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