Community Runs For Beloved Kindergarten Teacher: 'Remember Our Girl'

JAMESPORT, NY — Wearing colorful tutus and delighting with hand puppets, Keri Lynn Stromski enchanted her kindergarten classes at Aquebogue Elementary School, where she taught, infusing her lessons with a sense of wonder and the joy of learning.

On what would have been her 50th birthday, the many who will love Keri Lynn Stromski forever will gather this week to share memories of her light, laughter, and love.

Stromski, a beloved kindergarten teacher from Jamesport, died on April 6, 2021 after a fierce battle with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, leaving legacy of dedication to her community that resonates still.

Stromski made headlines around the world just a month before she died when one of her kindergarten students, whom she'd been instructing virtually, made a "hug machine" along with his family so that his favorite teacher could hug again, something she'd been missing so much. The story went viral and suddenly, the world knew something Riverhead had known all along — Stromski was a bright light for the many students she adored.

According to Keri Hoyt, this year, a 5K walk/run will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m., beginning at Long Island Beer Company, located at 817 Pulaski Street in Riverhead.

"Wednesday is Keri’s birthday," Hoyt said. "Keri was a beautiful friend to some of the runners. Last year, we ran in her honor raising funds for the granite benches you see now at Iron Pier Beach. This year we are asking people to come down and run to remember — remember our girl, remember a friend or family member, remember veterans. Anyone who makes your heart smile."

A playground was also dedicated in Stromski's honor at Iron Pier Beach this year.

Those running or walking are asked to wear light-up gear, Hoyt said. "If running is not in the cards, we ask you to join us in the brewery. Bring a friend and share the memories and stories that will make your heart happier. For it is within the storytelling that we always remember. Tomorrow, we will not only remember to run, we will run to remember."

Remembering her friend, Hoyt added, "Her spirit was and still is infectious."

Students at Aquebogue Elementary School also plan to celebrate Stromski with a Super Hero Day.

Stromski was steadfast in her devotion to her students: Even during the pandemic when teaching pivoted to virtual, Stromski delighted her young charges with puppets and tutus, the magic of music and most of all, her unfettered love for each and every one of the children she imbued with knowledge and love.

In her honor, the elementary school students at the school where she taught made a video, all crying out, "Beat cancer!"

"It's been extremely difficult not having Keri Stromski around," said fellow educator Tony Lawrence. "The void of not having her in the Aquebogue School has been one of heartaches and disbelief."

He added: "I remember seeking Keri in the hallway with her students following her around like she was the Pied Piper. The superpower that she possessed was the ability to educate students in a variety of ways. Using puppets or dressing up as Wonder Woman. Her appreciation and passion to teach and love her students is unmatched by any teacher that I've worked with in my 35-year career in education. Her former students speak of her as a fun, loving, compassionate teacher as they smile with pride knowing they were fortunate enough to have her as their kindergarten teacher."