From Reunion to Renewal
In 2025, as the Cherokee High School Class of 2005 prepared to celebrate two decades since graduation, a small group of alumni came together to plan the milestone reunion. What started as a celebration quickly evolved into something greater: a renewed sense of community and a shared commitment to giving back.
Moved by memories of classmates we’ve lost and inspired by the strength of our CHS family, the idea for the CHS Legacy Foundation was born. What began with reunion donations has grown into an enduring effort — one that supports students, honors legacies, and uplifts our community for years to come.
Today, the CHS Legacy Foundation stands as a living tribute to our classmates, our teachers, and the experiences that shaped us — and as a way to ensure that the spirit of CHS continues to thrive.

our mission
The CHS Legacy Foundation (CHSLF05) is a Cherokee High School (CHS, Marlton, NJ) Class of 2005-alumni led effort to honor our community and support future generations through connection, community involvement, and fundraising.
We aim to provide academic scholarships and other charitable contributions to those connected to CHS through alumni, current students, memorial organizations, and others affiliated with CHS. We do this through our three pillars: Connection, Community Involvement, and Fundraising.
Leadership team

Ray Castor
President and Treasurer
Ray Castor is a committed educational leader, certified school principal, and passionate advocate for both his community and alumni network. In his current role with the New Jersey Youth Justice Commission, Ray oversees Post-Secondary, Career, and Technical Education programs, working closely with leaders from state agencies, educational institutions, and local school districts. His mission is to ensure that some of New Jersey’s most underserved students receive high-quality, practical educational opportunities that empower them for the future.
Before joining the Commission, Ray served as an Assistant Principal and Teacher in the Lenape Regional High School District, among other impactful roles across the education sector. A proud graduate of Cherokee High School (Class of 2005), Ray went on to earn a B.A. in Italian from Rutgers University in 2009 and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Delaware Valley University in 2015.
Ray is also a founding board member and current President of the CHS Legacy Foundation, where he staunchly advocates the organization’s mission to make a lasting, positive impact on the school and community that shaped him and countless others. He believes deeply in the power of connection—bringing together alumni, students, and families to help everyone reach their full potential.
At home, Ray is supported by his wife Emily, an English teacher at Cherokee High School, and together they enjoy raising their two sons, Alexander and William.

sierra (stanczyk) karcher
Vice President
Sierra (Stanczyk) Karcher is a proud member of Cherokee High School’s Class of 2005. She and her brother (also a Cherokee grad) grew up in an active, close-knit community in Marlton, surrounded by family and friends who were lifelong Marlton residents. Her family’s Marlton roots run deep: both of her parents and several aunts and uncles attended Cherokee, her grandmother was a leader in the Marlton Woman’s Club, and her grandfather was involved in several local organizations and ran a business out of Philadelphia for decades.
As a child, Sierra could often be found at community events with her family, playing Marlton Rec Council soccer and softball, or running cross country for Cherokee. She served as the Class of 2005’s Vice President for three years and President her senior year, and later helped organize their 5th, 10th, and 20th reunions. These experiences inspired Sierra to stay connected with her classmates and help build the CHS Legacy Foundation as a way to give back to the community that shaped her. Rooted in generations of Cherokee pride, she believes in preserving the school’s spirit of connection and service by creating opportunities that empower future generations to dream big and give back to the community.
After Cherokee, Sierra earned her bachelor’s in International Affairs from James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia, and during summer breaks, she returned home to Marlton to work at the township’s summer camp. Upon graduation from JMU, she began her career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, DC, and later earned her master’s in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
In 2017, Sierra transferred to the FBI Philadelphia Field Office, moving back to Marlton with her husband and spending several years reconnecting with her hometown. After 12 years of federal service, she transitioned to the private sector in 2021 and joined PwC. Now based in the DC area, she serves as a Senior Manager and the Intelligence Practices Lead for PwC Global Threat Intelligence, where she develops strategic intelligence assessments, helps organizations build and mature their intelligence capabilities, and leads global initiatives integrating artificial intelligence with intelligence operations.
A lifelong volunteer, Sierra carries on her family’s tradition of community service. She is the Vice President of the CHS Legacy Foundation, Chief Operating Officer of the FBI Association of Intelligence Analysts, and Chair of JMU’s Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council.

steve Addezio, Esq.
Secretary and Agent
Steve Addezio is a licensed attorney in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and currently works as the Director of Administration for the flagship office of an AmLaw 100 law firm in Philadelphia. During his 15 years working in the legal industry and in large corporations, Steve gained significant experience in both law and business and has formed and led multiple non-profit and charitable organizations in South Jersey. Steve is a graduate of Whittier College (BA), Southwestern Law School (JD), and Rutgers University (MBA).
Steve is one of the founding members of the CHS Legacy Foundation, and his involvement with the organization is driven by the desire to carry on the legacy of classmates who are no longer with us, including the loss of his first childhood friend who passed away a few years ago. Steve lives in Mt. Laurel with his wife Nicole, and his children Charlotte and Stephen.
Advisory board

Jen PEREZ
Board Member
Jen (Foti) Perez is a lifelong resident of Marlton, NJ — born and raised in the community she continues to proudly serve. A graduate of Van Zant Elementary, DeMasi Middle School, and Cherokee High School, Jen was deeply involved in Marlton Travel Soccer throughout her childhood and also participated in the MSO U-30 soccer league. She attended Burlington County College and Rutgers University, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Childhood Studies and Psychology, with a minor in Sociology.
With more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant, catering, hospitality, and management industries, as well as over a decade working with children, Jen brings a unique blend of leadership and compassion to everything she does. As a former Behavioral Assistant for children in Burlington County, she developed a passion for supporting children with disabilities and Autism. Her career has centered on helping children with diverse social and emotional needs, always emphasizing care, patience, and understanding.
Jen has long been active in charitable organizations supporting Autism awareness, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Diabetes research, and Crohn’s Disease. Currently, she is a stay-at-home mom to three wonderful children, including her son who has multiple disabilities. She remains an engaged community leader through Marlton Rec Council sports, USA Gymnastics, local community events, St. Joan of Arc Church, and Jaggard Elementary School, where she proudly serves as PTA President after serving 2 years on the board. Jen has been a part of the PTA community for both Rice Elementary School and Jaggard for eight years and is a strong supporter of the Evesham Education Foundation and the Board of Education. Her advocacy centers on ensuring that all children have access to the opportunities, resources, and joy they deserve.
Jen is deeply invested in the Evesham School District and is an active voice in strategic planning, working to improve the experience of students and families alike. The CHS Legacy Foundation holds a special place in her heart — what began as helping plan the Class of 2005’s 20th reunion evolved into a lasting commitment to give back. When asked to join the foundation’s board, she immediately said yes — driven by a desire to preserve the sense of community that shaped her childhood and to honor classmates whose lives were tragically cut short. She hopes to carry forward this legacy for her own children and future generations, keeping alive the spirit that defines Marlton and Cherokee: Once a Chief, always a Chief.

michael Yerardi
Board Member
Michael Yerardi is a Technical Sales Manager – VVIP & Head-of-State Programs at Honeywell Aerospace, where he leads connectivity solution strategies for some of the world’s most exclusive and mission-critical aircraft. With more than 15 years of experience spanning business aviation, technology, and private equity, Michael combines deep technical expertise in satellite communications, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure with a proven focus on customer success and program development.
He is an active member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and has served as a keynote speaker at several global industry events. Michael holds a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential and earned his B.A. in Music & Recording Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he graduated cum laude.
Residing in Mt. Laurel, NJ with his wife, Karen, and their two sons, Joey and Nate, Michael is also engaged in community and leadership organizations, including the Mozart Masonic Lodge and Scouting America.
Michael’s involvement with the CHS Legacy Foundation is driven by a deep commitment to honoring the memory of fellow alumni whose lives were tragically cut short. He is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s mission by fostering connection, remembrance, and meaningful support within the Cherokee High School community.

marc vasquez
Board Member
Marc Vasquez serves as a Board Member for the CHS Legacy Foundation, bringing a strong background in technology, leadership, and community service. As the Global Technical Director of eCommerce for Ideal Tridon, Marc has built a career focused on innovation and connection—skills that align with his commitment to supporting the Chiefs and giving back to the community that shaped him.
From his early days working in IT with the local school district to his current global leadership role, Marc has always sought opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Outside of his professional life, he is an active ham radio operator, a dedicated volunteer firefighter since the age of 18—many of those years spent serving in Evesham—and an avid outdoors enthusiast.
