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Hampton Bays students Nico Velasquez, Sophia Corredor, Stephen Sutton, James Kiernan and Chris Sanchez, part of social worker Chris DeRosa’s “Do Good Boys” group, inside the high school’s new food pantry that they worked together to raise donations for. DANA SHAW
Chris DeRosa knows nearly every Hampton Bays student. Whether it be from other clubs or regular morning meet-and-greets, many pop by DeRosa’s office looking to see the work he does, and offer to lend a helping hand.
In fact, the former New York City actor-turned social worker has known many kids in the community both from going through the district — having graduated from Hampton Bays High School in 2006 — and from his time as a substitute teacher while he earned his master’s degree.
Looking to get even more involved in community outreach, DeRosa and some seniors one day collaborated to create the “Do Good Boys” club, with the focus being not only on raising donations for needy families but generating awareness about the struggles that many even in their own backyards may be facing.
“I always make sure to get kids to come down and offer a hand so we can do some education on the needs in our community,” DeRosa said. “It’s a way to help teach our kids who may be naive to some of their fellow students’ circumstances.”
The club recently ran a bingo night and next month, on May 14, is helping to host a cornhole tournament to raise funds for the high school’s new food pantry, which is part of the first-of-its-kind partnership in the state with grocery store chain Stop & Shop.
Senior Stephen Sutton said for him, it all started with wanting to give back to the community that helped raise him. He thinks the cornhole tournament is a fun and different way to do just that.
“It’s pretty special, and it’s a really big project,” the Do Good Boys member said. “We wanted to spread awareness and get people to donate and help those who need it. The tournament is a great way to bring people together while working toward a good cause.”
DeRosa said the kindness has spread in a way he couldn’t ever have imagined.
When a fire left 24 community members homeless last month, the district rapidly dispersed food from the pantry, and clothes through its partnership with nonprofit Catie’s Closet. The social worker was shopping for the families at Target earlier this month and happened to be stopped by a student who works at the department store, and asked DeRosa what he was doing there.
“I explained we were gathering supplies for the families who were affected by the devastating fire — and the next day he came in with a bag of clothes for the families,” DeRosa said. “It didn’t matter to him that he doesn’t have much, he just saw someone who had less and felt a desire to help.
“I have a million stories about how after teaching kids about their fellow classmates’ struggles, the next day they come to school with clothes and food to help.”
Senior James Kiernan said it’s been an honor for him, as a member of the Do Good Boys, to leave a lasting impact during his final year in the district.
“It’s always a great feeling to know you’re doing something good for other people,” he said, adding he’s looking forward to the cornhole tournament, referring to it as “one of the greatest events our school has ever hosted.”
Senior club member Nico Velasquez doesn’t know much about cornhole, but said he’s playing with his friend Nick, and “is probably going to win.”
Teams can email DeRosa at cderosa@hbschools.us to register by April 29. There is a $50 entry fee for a team that includes one Hampton Bays High School student, and $100 fee for two adults 18 or older. Kym Laube, from the nonprofit Human Understanding and Growth Services, or HUGS, will also be hosting raffles.
Athletic Director John Foster said he thinks the tournament is going to be a big hit.
“The support has been amazing so far from students, alumni, community members, local businesses, faculty and staff,” he said. “Everyone seems really excited about a fun-filled day.”
Superintendent Lars Clemensen said he’s also delighted by the enthusiastic response, and added the Do Good Boys — which also includes girls, like junior Sophia Corredor — are a great representation of the district.
“They came together to help others and make Hampton Bays High School a positive and inclusive place,” Clemensen said. “I am proud to see young men and women stepping up to create positive opportunities for others.”
Eric Ferraro, the district’s executive director for educational services and school safety, said the impact this club is having will be greater than the students even know.
“We see the benefits of students who are dressed and feel comfortable, and we know kids who are well-fed are going to perform better academically,” Ferraro said. “We know we’re giving our kids a great education already, so now we’re trying to find other ways through the school to help impact their lives and give them more opportunities — there’s more we can do and more schools should be doing to help kids.”
Senior Chris Sanchez said DeRosa’s presence has been life-changing, and not just for the greater community of Hampton Bays, saying he will remain a longstanding positive influence on the club’s members for the rest of their lives. He said the social worker’s energy evokes an eagerness to get involved.
“We’ve always wanted to do something big like this, but Mr. DeRosa really brought us all together,” Sanchez said. “We’ve grown a great relationship with him and we can’t thank Mr. DeRosa enough for what he’s accomplished. It feels really good to be doing this, and, hopefully, we can keep it going.”
