Memorial Playground To Be Dedicated To Beloved Kindergarten Teacher

JAMESPORT, NY — What better way to remember Keri Lynn Stromski — a beloved kindergarten teacher who died after a fierce battle with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer at 48 in 2021— than at the beach she loved, with the sound of children's laughter drifting under sunny skies.

The new Keri Lynn Stromski Memorial Playground at Iron Pier Beach will honor Stromski, who taught at Aquebogue Elementary School. A dedication will be held on Thursday, May 19 at 5 p.m.

Stromski made headlines around the world in March, 2021 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 — Keri Stromski was a bright light of love for the many who blossomed under her tutelage.

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.

The new Keri Lynn Stromski Memorial Playground will be located at Iron Pier Beach and will
include a new playground, a bench and a sign honoring Stromski, who died on April 6, 2021 after being diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer four-and-a-half-years earlier, said Ray Coyne, superintendent of parks and recreation for Riverhead Town.

“The entire Stromski-Kubetz family has such a large presence here in our town and Keri’s recent passing has left a huge void in so many lives,” Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said during a recent work session.

The beach is located at the end of Pier Avenue in Jamesport.