Deerfield Students Improve Others' Lives

Growing up, many people are taught to perform good deeds and help others in need. In reality, most people often get caught up in their own busy lives and do not have time to help those less fortunate.

seniors and are two people who have spent a great portion of their high school careers helping make the lives of others significantly better as part of . For over three years, they have been enhancing the lives of many students with special needs.

Every other Wednesday, Aronson and Hogan lead a meeting for a school club called Warrior Buddies, a program in which students spend time with peers who have special needs. President Aronson and Vice President Hogan hold regular meetings with other club officers and sponsors to plan each club gathering. These girls strive to make every session interesting and enjoyable for everyone.

Aronson Began in Middle School

Aronson has been working with kids and adults with special needs since middle school. As an eighth grader, she visited Deerfield High School Activities Night, where all the high school clubs are showcased.  It was then that Aronson knew she had to get involved with Warrior Buddies.

In addition to attending sessions every other week, the buddies go to a school event with the club members once a month. These activities range from school sporting events to theater performances and musical concerts. Hogan and Aronson do their best to make sure the buddies will enjoy spending their time with the club members.

Since joining freshman year, Aronson knew she wanted to be more than just a Warrior Buddies member. She was elected as a general officer her sophomore year and was promoted to president her junior and senior years.

“It proves to me and everyone in the club that hard work definitely pays off,” Aronson said. “When we put our minds to any task, big or small, we can accomplish anything.”  

Earlier this month, the girls helped put on a dance for Warrior Buddies.  Many months of planning were involved to put on this first of its kind gala. Through the motivating words of Aronson and Hogan, every club member put time towards planning the event.

Warrior Buddies Duo Spend Countless Hours

Aronson and Hogan also spend many hours at home organizing the bi-weekly meetings and monthly activities.

“I really learned how to be a leader, and being in charge of Warrior Buddies has helped me find my niche in high school,” Aronson said.  “I think that I’ve done my best to improve the cause and make Warrior Buddies as enjoyable as possible.” 

Aronson and Hogan both have many other commitments outside of school, yet they still make time to contribute towards helping others. Aronson plays club badminton, sits on the executive board of student council, sings in chorus, and volunteers at the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods.

Hogan competes on the school’s varsity gymnastics and badminton teams and dances on Tumblers during the fall. In addition, she has been a part of the executive board for three years.

Through time, commitment, and experience from having high positions in the club, both girls have developed life skills such as leadership and motivation towards having a goal.

“I have gained a lot of skills about patience, understanding and equality,” Hogan said.  “I understand how people learn and that helps me to see other’s perspectives. Small things can make people’s days so much bigger.”

Both Aronson and Hogan plan to continue to help others and do their best to make the lives of others as best they can be.