Ritchie Torres: “I rise today to honor Cheryl Marie DeWitt, known to all as Ms. Dee, a true Bronx treasure and champion of our children.…”

“I rise today to honor Cheryl Marie DeWitt, known to all as Ms. Dee, a true Bronx treasure and champion of our children. Born to a young, single mother and raised by loving foster parents, Ms. Dee learned early that caring adults can change a child's life forever. Inspired by that gift, she has dedicated her life to giving the same opportunity to others. For more than 20 years, as executive director of the Williamsbridge NAACP Early Childhood Education Center, she has provided nurturing, high-quality care to Bronx families facing hardship, never wavering through every challenge. A proud CSA member since 1994 and the Bronx borough chair for center-based directors, plus an active leader in the NAACP Williamsbridge branch, Ms. Dee fights tirelessly for early education, equity, and community strength. Ms. Dee shows us that service starts with compassion. Her life proves the love we receive can become the love we give. I thank Ms. Dee. May her work continue shaping brighter futures for generations.”