Connetquot Central School District

Cherokee Street Elementary once again rallied together for its annual Dimes for Dezy fundraiser, collecting $1,181 to support individuals and families affected by cancer!

The event honors the legacy of Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, a Sachem High School North graduate, teacher and coach, who was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2019 and passed away in 2020. His foundation, the Dezy Strong Foundation, continues his mission of spreading strength, hope and positivity. Dezy’s family resides in the Connetquot community, making the fundraiser especially meaningful for the school.

At Cherokee Street, students are grouped into themed “houses,” such as Unity, Dreamers, Kindness, Friendship, Uplifters and Courage. To bring excitement to the initiative, students contributed donations by house, with the top two groups earning Dezy bracelets as a token of recognition for their efforts.

The fundraiser is led by Giovanni DiStefano, Dezy’s son and a Cherokee Street student, with support from teacher Mrs. Campanella. Together, they helped carry forward Dezy’s message and inspire the school to give back.

Dezy’s well-known mantra, “we get to,” continues to shape the school’s culture, encouraging gratitude and a positive outlook. Each year on Dezy Day, students watch a video about the significance of the day and fill out paper cards that finish the phrase “we get to…” These cards are proudly displayed throughout the school’s stairwell, serving as a reminder of Dezy’s enduring impact.