1. education
2. school

Many of the most rewarding and memorable experiences students have come from
involvement in extra-curricular activities. Deerfield High School offers a wide
variety of such opportunities through our various clubs/organizations. This
handbook will give you a peek at all that we have to offer. Our extra-curricular
programs promote confidence, teamwork, greater academic success and responsible
social behavior. They also offer an opportunity for students to develop new
relationships within the building and in the Deerfield High School community.
There is an activity for every Deerfield student who chooses to become involved.
Some groups have a history within our school, while other clubs have been formed
more recently to meet the changing interests of students. Faculty and staff
encourage Deerfield High School students to get involved and participate in any or
several organizations of interest. Your high school years will pass extremely fast,
however, friendships you develop and memories you make will last a lifetime. Get
involved and make your high school years memorable, both for yourself and the
many lives you will touch!
Sincerely,
Brian Verisario Student Activities Director
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Table of Contents
Please click on the club name if you wish to go to that page.
Anime Club .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Art Club ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Book Club ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Cheer Team.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Chess Club ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Choral Groups...................................................................................................................................... 5
Computer Club .................................................................................................................................... 5
D.A.S.A. (Deerfield Aero-Space Association) ...................................................................................... 5
Deerfield High School Dance Company .............................................................................................. 6
DECA – An Association of Marketing Students ................................................................................ 6
Deerprints – The Student Newspaper ................................................................................................ 6
Earthworks .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Fencing Club ........................................................................................................................................ 6
French Honor Society .......................................................................................................................... 7
Freshman Executive Board ................................................................................................................. 7
G.I.M.A. – Girls Inspiring Meaningful Activities .............................................................................. 7
Hebrew Honor Society ......................................................................................................................... 7
Human Rights Club............................................................................................................................. 8
International Club ............................................................................................................................... 8
Jazz Lab Band ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Junior Class Executive Board ............................................................................................................. 8
Marching Band .................................................................................................................................... 8
Mathletes ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Model UN ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Movie Club ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Open Mic Club ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Orchestra ............................................................................................................................................. 9
O*YAD - Yearbook ............................................................................................................................. 10
Peer Helping ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Pep Band ............................................................................................................................................ 10
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Robotics (WARBOTS) ........................................................................................................................ 10
Scholastic Bowl .................................................................................................................................. 11
Science Club ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Senior Executive Board ..................................................................................................................... 11
Sophomore Executive Board ............................................................................................................. 11
Spanish Honor Society ...................................................................................................................... 11
Spectrum – LGBTQ & Straight Alliance .......................................................................................... 12
Stage Crew ......................................................................................................................................... 12
S.T.E.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics ....................................................... 12
Student Congress .............................................................................................................................. 12
Student Council ................................................................................................................................. 13
S.O.S. – Student Outreach Services ................................................................................................. 13
Students for Children ........................................................................................................................ 13
Theatre ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Theatrix ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Troubadour ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Varsity Club ....................................................................................................................................... 14
WDHS Television .............................................................................................................................. 14
Warrior Buddies ................................................................................................................................ 14
Warrior Dance Team – Varsity & JV ............................................................................................... 15
WYSE – Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering ..................................................................... 15
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Organizations and Clubs
Anime Club
Interested in anime? Enjoy watching Japanese animation movies? Check out the Deerfield High School Anime
Club! We meet once a week to view and discuss animation, more specifically, Anime (Japanese animation). Both
series and films are viewed. Check it out.
Sponsor: Rick Christian
Meets Thursdays in E114 at 3:20pm
Art Club
Any student with an interest in art is welcome. Art Club works on large group projects, as well as encouraging
individual creativity. It is a chance to explore your artistic ability in a fun, creative atmosphere. Art Club will work
with a variety of drawing materials and also explore three dimensional forms using clay. We have weekly meetings
from October to May.
Sponsor: Tim Bleck
Meets Mondays in R117 at 3:15pm
Book Club
Are you a bibliophile? Not sure what that means but love to read? We are a student-staff book club that meets
about once a month for lively discussions. Past meetings have also included author visits. Books are nominated and
selected by book club members. Have you ever read an interesting book and you wanted to discuss it, but none of
your friends read it? Here’s your chance to discuss!
Sponsors: Laurie Williams and Marisa Fiorito
Meets on a monthly basis after
school in the Library
Cheer Team
If you enjoy performing and promoting school spirit, then cheerleading is for you! The team performs at football and
basketball games, Homecoming pep rally, and community events, such as the Special Olympics and 4th of July
Parade. We compete at 5-6 local high school cheerleading competitions each year, including the IHSA state series.
Practices are held three days a week and we attend two competitive cheerleading camps in the summer. This team
is open to all students (yes, we are co-ed!) and tryouts are held in the spring for incoming freshmen through seniors.
No previous cheer experience is necessary. The cheerleading team is a great way for students to get involved at
DHS! Go Warriors! *\o/*
Sponsor: Kyle Gehrke
Meets 3-4x weekly during season in gym
Chess Club
The DHS Chess Team is comprised of students who are learning the game of chess, are becoming more proficient
players, and/or are training to compete in a yearlong season of matches and tournaments. We meet on a weekly
basis and engage in a variety of activities covering all aspects of the game. Members need only have an interest in
the game and plan to meet once or twice each week after school. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the game or sharpen
your skills through competition, the Chess Team is for you!
Sponsor: Ken Williams
Meets Fridays after school in E121
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Chinese Honor Society
The Deerfield High Chinese Honor Society 中文榮譽學會is a member of the National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS).
The objective of the organization is to stimulate interest in the study of Chinese, to promote higher standards of
scholarship, to reward high scholastic achievement, to create enthusiasm for an understanding of Chinese culture,
and to promote and perpetuate international friendship. At the induction ceremony, students display their
individual talents in Chinese by singing, dancing, chanting, reading poems, performing skits, playing instruments,
diabolo performance and presenting films. Parents and all students are invited to attend.
Sponsor: Athena Sawyer
Meets after school in the fall
Choral Groups
If you enjoy singing and making friends, choir is for you! DHS has four curricular choirs that meet daily, and one
extra-curricular show choir.

Treble Ensemble is made up of freshman girls and counts as Freshman Advisory, as well as a fine arts
credit.

Concert Choir has freshman boys and upper class girls in it, and fills the Freshman Advisory requirement
for boys as well as fine arts credit for all.

FoSho is an extra-curricular, non-auditioned show choir for freshmen and sophomores. This group is very
flexible to other athletic, club and extra-curricular activities. All are welcome!

Chorale is made up of upperclassmen and counts as a fine arts credit.

Choraliers is the DHS Show Choir. These sophomores, juniors and seniors audition for this ensemble and
perform in a variety of pop, jazz and show music.
Each of the four choirs perform a wide variety of music ranging from classical to pop and have opportunities to
perform in concerts as well as attend professional performances downtown. Chorale and Choraliers have toured to
destinations such as Carnegie Hall, Disneyworld and New Orleans! All students are welcome, regardless of
experience level.
Sponsors: Lara Korneychuk and Alicia Akers
Choral groups meet during the school day
with evening performances
FoSho meets after school with evening rehearsals
Computer Club
The Computer Club is a group of students that are interested in computers. We meet once a week for about one
hour, usually after school. Most of our time is spent playing interactive games such as Starcraft and Minecraft.
Limit of 20 students.
Sponsors: David Hiegel and Bob Baracani
Meets Wednesdays after school in G108
D.A.S.A. (Deerfield Aero-Space Association)
The Deerfield Aero-Space Association (DASA) is a club devoted to model rocketry and radio controlled airplanes.
The club meets once a week from September to early June. Time is spent building model rockets and planes, while
learning and experimenting with flight. Weather permitting, the club averages two launching sessions or radio
controlled flights per month. Toward the end of the school year a field trip is planned to join other amateur and
professional rocket enthusiasts at a National Association of Rocketry’s launch site to launch DASA’s larger rockets
and watch other professional rocket launches. All students with an interest in model building and/or aeronautics
can really enjoy this fun and casual club.
Sponsor: Kevin Duray
Meets Thursdays after school in N102
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Deerfield High School Dance Company
Dance Company is a performing group at Deerfield High School. Dance Company is an opportunity for students
interested in all types of dance to develop technical skills, increase knowledge of dance and participate in dance
performances. Dance Company performs in an annual spring dance concert which includes student choreographed
work, as well as work by guest choreographers. Dancers also have the opportunity to work with guest artists in
master classes and workshops. Dance Company auditions pieces for venues such as the Illinois State Dance
Festival and Columbia College showcase. If you are interested in expanding your technical and creative skills as
well as performing, the DHS Dance Company is for you!
Sponsors: Sarah Lynes-Campbell and
Tarah Hartung
Meets daily January – April in Dance Studio
DECA – An Association of Marketing Students
This highly successful professional national marketing and management student organization provides students
with the unique opportunities to take skills and knowledge they learn in school and apply them in practical business
simulations. Many of the activities are designed to help them reach their career and life’s goals. Students in the
organization achieve greater personal recognition and develop extensive leadership training through many fun and
exciting activities that include local, state and national competitions where travel and scholarships are some of the
awards. Think DECA, think fun, think travel, think rewards – think for yourself. Join today!
Sponsors: Brian Lukens, Joe Navickas and
Pam Helke
Meets Fridays before school in lecture hall
Deerprints – The Student Newspaper
Deerprints is the student-run and student-produced newspaper and website which can be found at
www.dhsmedia.org People on staff learn to write and think like reporters, debating ethical issues to balance their
roles as students and reporters. In addition, they gain skills in terms of thoughtfully designing content to best meet
the needs and interests of an audience. Deerprints gives students a hands-on opportunity to make their voices heard
while practicing writing and editing with high-interest topics. Deerprints is a fun, interesting way to be a part of a
team that provides a valuable product for the entire community.
Sponsor: Brett Schwartz
Meets multiple days after school in E112,
the newsroom
Earthworks
Earthworks is passionate about saving the environment through service and partnering with Outdoor Classroom
and Human Rights Club to help make our school a greener place. Students are responsible for the recycling
program at DHS. The club also organizes school-wide events on America Recycles Day and Earth Day. We also
reach out to the local community planting trees with the Village of Deerfield on Arbor Day, and at DHS cleaning up
the river on River Day. Our members promote awareness of the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. All
ideas are welcome! This club is a great opportunity for you to make a difference!
Sponsors: Lisa Johnson and Joe Pighetti
Meets Wednesdays after school
Fencing Club
The Fencing Club is offered to all DHS and HPHS students. The season runs from September through February.
Competitions are held from November until early February. The focus of fall practices is to teach inexperienced
fencers the sport and get them ready for competitions. In the early fall, we practice on Mondays after school in the
DHS cafeteria and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm in the IM gym. Beginning in November we typically practice at
HPHS on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9pm.
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There is fencing in all three classical fencing weapons—foil, epee and saber. Electric scoring machines are available.
New fencers can try out fencing with club equipment, but those who stay with it are expected to purchase some of
their own equipment. Come give fencing a try!
Sponsor: Todd Kerschke
Meets in the fall at DHS and HPHS
French Honor Society
The French Honor Society recognizes high scholastic achievement in the study of French. We strive to promote a
continuity of interest in language studies. At the induction ceremony, students display their individual talents in
French by singing, dancing, playing an instrument, reciting poetry or acting in skits. All with the French “joie de
vivre”! We fundraise throughout the year to offset the costs of our service project. Each year we help a needy family
during the winter holidays with a gift and food donation.
Sponsor: Robin Wolf
Meets as needed after school in the fall
Freshman Executive Board
Becoming a member of the Freshman Executive Board is a great way to meet others, enhance leadership skills,
share ideas and plan activities for the entire freshman class! Representation on Freshman Executive Board is from
every advisory. The board meets once a week throughout the year, and there are some evening and weekend
commitments. The Executive Board members are involved in various activities during Homecoming. As a service
project, board members make lunches for a homeless shelter several times a year. Throughout the year we also do
fundraisers and other community service projects.
Sponsors: Stacy Halpern and Amy Hindson
Meets Thursdays before school in I111
G.I.M.A. – Girls Inspiring Meaningful Activities
G.I.M.A. is an all-female organization that plans several events throughout the school year. GIMA members plan
for and participate in Mr. DHS, National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Special Olympics, service projects and
fundraising events. If you enjoy working with others to plan and coordinate large events and raise money to support
charities and female athletic clubs, then GIMA is a great fit for you!
Sponsors: Gail Gausselin and Elena Hemmila
Meets Thursdays before school in the staff café
Hebrew Honor Society
The Deerfield High School Hebrew Honor Society (HHS) is an organization that recognizes a high level of Hebrew
language learning in our school and to promote the study of Hebrew language.
The purpose of the Deerfield High School Hebrew Honor Society is to stimulate interest in the study of Hebrew,
promote higher standards of scholarship and to reward high academic achievement. It also promotes an enthusiasm
for Israel and Israeli culture.
Student eligibility requirements include:
1. Present enrollment in the third year of high school Hebrew (Hebrew III) or completion of the second year of
high school Hebrew (Hebrew II).
2. A cumulative semester average of B or higher in all Hebrew courses. The cumulative semester average is
based on the four preceding of Hebrew studies.
3. A commitment to conduct oneself in DHS First Class manner at all times.
4. Every student is expected to follow all the rules and requirements dictated by the Hebrew Honor Society.
This includes being fully active and engaged in all projects/activities planned and executed by the HHS.
Failing to do so, a student will be placed on probation.
Sponsor: Yaffa Berman
Meets periodically during first semester
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Human Rights Club
Human Rights Club seeks to promote and protect all human rights. Students research then share knowledge with
the DHS community, promoting actions on behalf of victims of human rights violations. Members take action only
on issues they believe in. The club is active all year. Students can join in whenever their time permits, and they
can always be active via email and online options. Meetings are held weekly. Students plan awareness campaigns
at the school and in the community, and occasionally we work with groups from other high schools or travel to
Chicago for a special event. All students are welcome.
Sponsors: Niki Antonakos and Amisha Shah
Meets Mondays after school in the Library
International Club
International Club explores cultures; we make each meeting fun, informative and representative of our appreciation
of all cultures. At our meetings we discuss issues that impact different cultures around the world, cook, watch films,
and take trips that we feel would help inform us about different ethnicities, religions and nationalities of the world.
If you are fascinated by and enjoy learning about other cultures, come check us out. All are welcome.
.
Sponsor: Carrie Benito
Meets every other Thursday in X109
Jazz Lab Band
If you play any musical instrument and would like to know more about improvising and playing jazz, then the Jazz
Lab Band is the group for you. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists and horn players of all types come
together once a week to learn how to play the music of jazz greats such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.
A special emphasis is placed on techniques for improvisation. Students in the Jazz Lab are well prepared to
audition for the award-winning DHS Jazz Band in the spring. This is a great way to get started in music at DHS!
Sponsor: Dan Brame
Meets after school December-April in R102
Junior Class Executive Board
The Junior Executive Board members apply for membership in the fall of their junior year. Membership is
comprised of approximately 20 students, with mandatory meetings once per week.
During the fall our efforts are directed towards Homecoming. We take a leadership role in many Homecoming
traditions and festivities. We participate in School Chest by contributing our time to planning and serving a
pancake breakfast to Deerfield High School.
Our final event of the year is planning for Prom. The Board decides on a theme, menu, and music for the Senior
Prom celebration. We pride ourselves on our leadership, creativity, and responsibility!
Sponsors: Michelle Brownell and Staci Studnitzer
Meets Wednesdays before school in J111
Marching Band
The Warrior Marching Band is Deerfield’s most spirited musical group, providing excitement and entertainment at
all home football games. Made up of students enrolled in DHS band classes, the marching band also participates in
the Deerfield Memorial Day parade and performs for special occasions such as the Homecoming Pep Rally. It is an
award-winning group that specializes in enthusiastic renditions of rock music and soundtrack hits. Join us in the
fall for a great time.
Sponsors: Dan Brame
Meets multiple days plus games in the fall
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Mathletes
Do you love solving problems? Enjoy a mental challenge? Then become a Mathlete, where the best minds of
Deerfield join in head-to-head competition with other area schools. Levels include freshmen, sophomores, juniors,
seniors and oralist.
Sponsors: Mollie Kaplan, Peter Comerford and
Eric Anderson
Meets weekly after school
Model UN
Chaos, carnage, visions of peace and international cooperation. The Model United Nations club participates in
national conferences where we play the role of one of the member countries of the United Nations and then
diplomatically try to resolve world conflicts that need resolving. Child labor, slavery, women’s rights and
disarmament are some topics negotiated at previous conferences. If you like to debate, argue and discuss current
world problems, and you would like to meet people from high schools throughout the United States and foreign
countries, come to Model United Nations club tryouts in the fall!
Sponsors: Hilary Quagliana and Helen Crowley
Meets Tuesdays after school in Q110
Movie Club
Movie Club is a bi-weekly showcase and discussion of films that are connected by a common theme, genre or style.
It is a fun and vibrant community of film buffs who like to analyze movies beyond the experience of ordinary moviegoers.
Sponsor: Michael O'Malley
Meets Thursdays after school in X216
Open Mic Club
Good Karma Café is a performance venue open to all DHS students. This open mic style event happens five to six
times per year and features a variety of performances in a casual atmosphere. Performances may be visual art
displays, musical acts, vocal performance, performance art, poetry, acoustic solos, comedy, theatre and dance. All
performers are welcome; no auditions are required.
Sponsor: Chris Sykora and Lara Korneychuk
Meets Tuesdays after school and five to six
times for performances
Orchestra
Concert Orchestra / Advisory
Freshman string players enroll for Concert Orchestra, a performance based class that provides students with
experiences designed to develop the basic technical skills of string instrument playing and musicianship. This class
satisfies the Freshman Advisory requirement. The Concert Orchestra also performs joint concerts with the
Symphony Orchestra.
Symphony Orchestra
Sophomore through senior string players, with the permission of the director, enroll for the Symphony Orchestra.
Wind and percussion students must be concurrently enrolled in the Wind Ensemble.
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is a performance based laboratory class open to all string players by audition only. Students
must be enrolled in either Concert Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra.
Rehearsals meet daily during early bird. In addition to performing regular concerts at DHS, students in the
chamber orchestra are uniquely suited to be a showpiece ensemble for the orchestra program in the Deerfield
community. All orchestras have the opportunity to participate in the musical production, community performances,
recording projects, contests, festivals, retreats and performing tours (Israel 2015, Arizona 2013, New York 2011,
Orlando 2009, Sand Francisco 2008 and Eastern Europe 2006).
Sponsor: Ron Velleuer
Meets during class time
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O*YAD - Yearbook
It’s not just a club—it’s a class! The Deerfield High School yearbook is created by a dedicated group of students that
span between a club that meets after school and an actual Media Production class which meets during the school
day. While it is recommended that students interested in producing the yearbook enroll in the course to maximize
their experience, we also welcome students who are curious or limited in time to join our club to assist in various
capacities. Media Production students become editors of the book—choosing content, writing copy, designing
spreads and shooting photos—making the decisions that will shape a yearbook that our entire student body will
treasure for years to come.
Writers, designers, photographers, artists and computer junkies welcome—there is no experience necessary. Help
share the memories of your class at DHS—join Yearbook!
Sponsors: Herb Regan and Mike Moran
Meets daily after school in G106
Peer Helping
Do friends come to you to help them solve their problems? If they do, Peer Helping is for you.
Peer Helping is an activity in which students learn communication and problem solving skills in order to help
themselves and others. Peer Helping meets once per week throughout the school year. It is open to freshmen,
sophomores, juniors and seniors. We have one large group training session each month covering topics such as
stress management, acceptance, family dynamics, communication skills and coping with loss. If you like to help
people, Peer Helping is for you.
Sponsors: Tim Bleck, Brandon Geuder,
Chris Sykora, Lara Korneychuk and Joe Lynn
Meets weekly before school
Pep Band
The DHS Pep Band adds their own brand of musical excitement to varsity girls and boys basketball games all
winter long. Students perform their high energy rock and jazz music to fire up the team and keep the crowd
cheering. It’s a great way to show Warrior pride and be part of the action!
Sponsors: Ron Velleuer
Multiple days plus games
Robotics (WARBOTS)
WARBOTS (Warrior Robotics) Club offers the opportunity for DHS students to get involved designing, building, and
programming a robot to complete in the global FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. FTC is a sports-based,
team alliance competition requiring students to work in small teams and apply real-world math and science
concepts to design a robust competitive robot. The season begins early September at the announcement of the new
competition, and depending upon success and advancement, the season concludes late February / early March.
The DHS team aligns with the HPHS team, making this a true cross-school project. FTC is a great opportunity for
team-building and technical skill.
Sponsor: Jonathan Weiland
Meets Monday/Wednesdays at HPHS, G111
Get involved and make your
high school years memorable
for yourself as well as the many
lives you will touch!
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Scholastic Bowl
Scholastic Bowl is a competitive academic club. In this activity we field teams that compete against other schools in
head-to-head matches involving answering questions in a variety of areas. Some of these areas include science,
mathematics, literature, art, history, geography, government, mythology, etc. This activity is IHSA sanctioned and
has both a varsity and frosh-soph team. Our school competes in after school matches against all other teams in the
Central Suburban League.
The team also competes in the IHSA Tournament series and also some Saturday tournaments. Practices are
usually held one or more times weekly at varying times. This activity runs the full year. You must contact the
sponsor to join.
Sponsors: Marty Esgar and Jenny Navickas
Meets Thursdays after school
Science Club
This is the club that provides opportunities for you to explore science topics beyond the classroom—cool science
experiments, speakers and field trips are all parts of the Science Club experience! Members also have the option of
pursuing individual science research topics. We meet twice a month after school and anyone is welcome to attend.
Sponsor: John Motzko
Meets every other Wednesday after school in X127
Senior Executive Board
The Senior Executive Board is responsible for Homecoming activities that include theme presentations, cafeteria
decorations, and FUN during the Homecoming season. Graduation includes many activities for seniors in the final
months of their senior year. It is also responsible for the senior class gift that is presented at the graduation
ceremony.
Sponsor: Katie Daughton
Meets Fridays before school in X108
Sophomore Executive Board
The Sophomore Executive Board is responsible for planning the entire Homecoming dance, including decorations,
tickets, dinner menu, giveaways, DJ and publicity. We choose a sophomore theme that is used to decorate the locker
of every sophomore and the sophomore section of the cafeteria. We also design sophomore tee-shirts to wear during
Homecoming week. In December we host a game night tournament to raise money for School Chest. In addition, we
conduct fundraisers and participate in community service projects.
Sponsors: Sara Teplinsky and Jig Vora
Meets Fridays before school in Q111
Spanish Honor Society
The object of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and
Portuguese, is to stimulate interest in the study of Spanish, to promote higher standards of scholarship, to reward
high scholastic achievement, to create enthusiasm for an understanding of Hispanic culture and civilization, and to
promote and perpetuate international friendship.
Juniors and seniors with outstanding achievement in Spanish qualify for admission. At the Induction Ceremony in
the fall, students showcase their talents in Spanish by singing, dancing, playing an instrument, reciting poetry or
acting in skits. During the holiday season we participate in a charity drive, in addition to many other fun activities.
Sponsors: Elizabeth Mansfield and
Matthew Wallace
Meets during the fall before and after school
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Spectrum – LGBTQ & Straight Alliance
Spectrum is the Deerfield High School LGBTQ and Straight Alliance. Spectrum exists with the intent to promote
acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation and to create a safe environment for all students. At our
meetings, we discuss issues concerning straight and LGBTQ or gender identity unity in our school and community.
At Spectrum, members are not expected to divulge their orientation. Students are free to share what they would
like in a comfortable environment.
Sponsor: Glorianne Hamm
Meets Wednesdays after school in the Staff Café
Stage Crew
The Stage Crew works together in small and large groups preparing the multiple aspects of the technical
performance of each production. All members of the stage crew participate in multiple elements of technical theatre.
The Stage Crew is a sizeable community of trained and training technicians whose responsibilities for each
production include:
 building, painting and shifting the sets
 hanging, focusing and running the lights
 acquiring or creating the props
 setting up and running the sound
During pre-show and show times the Crew is led by students whose titles are assigned at the beginning of the build
period for each show. Head positions are available to students who have worked two complete shows, have taken a
minimum of one semester of Technical Theatre, or display reliability and creativity through their participation and
regular attendance.
Sponsor: Michael Clack
Meets after school every day during productions
August – May plus Saturdays
S.T.E.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
This club investigates how the work in the STEM fields influence our daily lives and activities and provides students
with opportunities to investigate these various fields through field trips and breakout groups. The breakout groups
are determined by student interest. Students interested in learning how to code, for instance, may participate in the
Girls’ Coding Club, which meets twice per month. Students interested in health careers may also participate in that
group as well. Members of the club also participate in helping to structure our Annual STEM Careers Forum, which
brings in speakers from various STEM careers to share their expertise and knowledge with all students.
Sponsors: Judi Luepke, Steve Svetlik and
Mollie Kaplan
Meets twice a month after school
Student Congress
Student Congress is a form of debate in which students write and debate bills much as the real congress does.
Students learn the art of debating and practicing politics as they work to make friends and alliances. Individual
and team awards are given at each tournament. Deerfield Student Congress is one of the most successful
congressional debate teams in the history of the Illinois Congressional Debate Association.
Sponsors: Lisa Allen, Kelly Walenga and
Mary Boote
Meets Wednesdays after school in Q118
Your high school years will pass by extremely fast…
However, the memories you make will last a lifetime!
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Student Council
Representatives participate in food drives, blood drives, dances, school elections, School Chest and other charitable
endeavors.
Applications will be sent out to feeder schools in late April or early May. Applicants will be interviewed by Student
Council officers during the application process. Information will be shared via email to the applicants prior to the
end of the current school year.
Sponsors: Dan Chamberlin, Mirielle Klaas,
Stephanie Gordon and Mollie Kaplan
Meets Tuesday and Thursdays before school
S.O.S. – Student Outreach Services
S.O.S. is Deerfield High School’s service club. Members participate in a year full of activities such as Make a Wish,
March of Dimes, and Center for Enriched Living. The club also sponsors Hand to Paws and Random Acts of
Kindness Day, makes lunches and volunteers for PADS and holds fundraisers for our annual scholarship fund. Club
members are actively involved in planning new activities each year.
Sponsors: Steve Svetlik and Stacey Schroeder
Meets Thursdays before school in X202
Students for Children
Students for Children is an organization devoted to helping children in Chicagoland and around the world.
Members of S.F.C. volunteer at various organizations and donate items to children in need. If you have ideas for
activities or just love helping kids, join Students for Children.
Sponsors: Karen Degen and Lynn Weiss
Meets bi-monthly after school in X204
Theatre
The DHS program offers five major productions throughout the school year. Quarter one fall play, quarter two fall
play, STUNTS (the variety show), the musical, spring play and/or musical theatre production make up our studio
theatre and auditorium stage theatre season. Students may be involved in many aspects of productions.
 Quarter One Fall Play: is presented in our studio theatre at the end of October. It is a full scale production
done in an intimate setting. Auditions for the show are in the spring of the prior year as well as in the fall for
freshmen and transfer students.
 Quarter Two Fall Play: a full-scale production presented in the studio theatre. Students may not perform
in both fall productions. The show auditions in the spring of the prior year and at the beginning of the new
school year for freshmen and transfer students. The production is performed in early November.
 STUNTS: is the student produced variety show. The shows are overseen by student board members.
STUNTS invites students to audition their original acts. The show auditions in October and performs in
December.
 Musical: is the largest scale production of the year. It involves over 175 students as cast, crew and orchestra
members. The musical auditions in November and performs in March.
 Spring Play: runs in repertory with the musical theatre class production and represents the final production
of the year. The advanced theatre class, The Company, presents it. Students have the opportunity to
participate in a variety of ways.
 Musical Theatre Production: runs in repertory with the spring play and represents the final production of
the year. The cast is comprised of students from the Musical Theatre class. Students have the opportunity to
participate in a variety of ways.
Sponsor: Susan Gorman
Meets after school August – May and Saturdays
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Theatrix
Theatrix is an improvisational comedy/theatre games club. In addition to experimenting with and learning a variety
of improvisational techniques and skills, students work towards a performance of improvisational comedy each
spring. This group meets once weekly in the Studio Theatre.
Sponsor: Neil Rigler
Meets before school in M106
Troubadour
Troubadour is the annual art and literary magazine containing original photography, drawings, poetry and short
stories contributed by Deerfield students. It serves as a creative outlet for the DHS community and provides a
learning experience for the students who compile the magazine. All students are invited to submit work and to
participate in the selection process. Troubadour is a beautiful, free magazine that is published in the spring.
Sponsors: Neil Rigler and Tim Bleck
Meets Thursdays after school in the ARC
Varsity Club
Our club’s motto is “Athletes for Athletes”. We recognize the outstanding varsity athletes as “Athletes of the Month”
for their high caliber performance during the season. We sponsor the basketball event for the Northeastern Illinois
Special Olympics. Our monthly meetings give the athletes opportunities to learn more about collegiate athletics and
offer insightful dialogues with alumni and staff.
Sponsor: John Campbell
Meets bi-monthly October – May
WDHS Television
WDHS Television is the “real thing”! Real television produced with studio equipment that emulates the professional
media environment. Students learn to produce exciting programs which air on our all-school broadcast system and
online. TV students also have the opportunity to take part in live sports and performing arts broadcasts throughout
the school year. Any student even remotely thinking of entering the media profession should not bypass the
opportunity to participate in DHS’ award-winning television program. A leadership and valuable life-skill building
experience for all fields of interest!
Sponsor: Brett Schwartz
Meets multiple days after school in E112,
the TV studio
Warrior Buddies
Do you like to help others? Are you looking to have fun and make new friends? Do you like going to DHS activities
such as athletic and fine art events? If so, Warrior Buddies is for you! Warrior Buddies is a social club for ALL
students. The mission of Warrior Buddies is to promote inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities by fostering friendships between the special education students and the general
education students at Deerfield High School. Some of the past activities have included: basketball and football
games, Deerfield Idol, concerts and more! Warrior Buddies offers opportunities to learn more about specific
disabilities such as Autism and chances to explore different related careers through speakers.
Sponsors: Mike Moran and Stacy Wood
Meets bi-monthly before school
Get involved and
make your high school
years memorable!
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Warrior Dance Team – Varsity & JV
The Warrior Dance Team is a competitive dance performance group. Its main objective is to compete against other
dance teams in Illinois in the kick, pom, and hip hop categories. The Warrior Dance Team is also a spirit group so
they do perform at school functions such as home football and basketball games, the Homecoming pep assembly, and
some charity events. The Warrior Dance Team is a yearlong commitment. It starts after spring tryouts in May,
goes through the summer, and ends in February. You cannot be on another activity where practices, half-time
shows, or competitions will conflict. Spring sports/activities do not conflict. The squad is open to freshman through
seniors.
Sponsors: Kimberly Margis, Mollie Kaplan and
Ashley Stevenson
Multiple days after school plus competitions
WYSE – Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering
The DHS WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering) team competes against other high schools at regional,
sectional and state levels. More than 8,000 students around the state participate in this activity each year which
tests student knowledge in seven areas related to engineering. During competitions, students are asked to take
multiple choice tests in any two of the following seven areas: math, chemistry, physics, biology, English, computers
and engineering graphics. At each competition, team scores are generated and compared, team trophies are given
out and individuals who do exceptionally well earn individual medals. This competition involves most of the top
academic students in the state of Illinois. Team members will put in a minimum of one to 1 ½ hours of study per
week, during the six-month season (November – April).
Interested students can get information from the sponsor(s) to see if they might have the necessary qualifications.
Because of the high level of difficulty of the tests, this activity is open primarily to our most talented senior and
junior students.
Sponsors: Marty Esgar
Meetings vary after school in X125
Looking for more information?
Each club has a link to the sponsor(s)
who can answer your questions…
or stop and see Mr. Verisario
in room K115
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