Audris Griffith
Audris Griffith began her time at DHS six years ago, being the Principal of the 5th best public school in the state of Illinois. Ms. Griffith was told of this opening by her friend and P.E. teacher here at DHS Edith Madsen. Ms. Madsen urged Ms. Griffith to apply for the opening, and she agreed. Ms. Griffith met with Dr. Fornero over coffee about being the principal at DHS. She was able to get the job.
“I like the students-they are thoughtful and well prepared. The staff is phenomenal, whether in the classroom or coaching the athletes. This is a very unique High School like any other in the U.S.,” Ms. Griffith said.
During retirement, Ms. Griffith will split her time between her parents in Austin, Texas and a small town in Taos, New Mexico. She will be training her horse, as well as volunteering at the food pantry.
“I’m going to miss the daily connections with students and staff. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve as principal.”

Edith Madsen
P.E. teacher Edith Madsen has worked at DHS for 16 years filled with many memories. Ms. Madsen was also a Badminton coach here at DHS for many years, which she built great relationships with the student-athletes.
“What don’t I like? The community itself, this school teaches you how to become a better teacher. It has a great support system,” Madsen said.
The longtime P.E. teacher and Badminton coach plans to build a house in Door County, Wisconsin. She will move up there full time, volunteering in the community. Ms. Madsen will come back to DHS next spring to continue to coach the Badminton team, as she’s not retiring from coaching yet.
“I’m going to miss working with the great people here. The students, staff, the Badminton community, and athletes. It’s been a blessing.”

Paul Mocogni
Paul Mocogni started twenty years ago working as a Building Manager here at DHS. Mocogni enjoyed his time here at DHS, relishing the professional environment, staff cooperation with one another, and the seriousness of the students.
“I enjoyed the casual but seriousness attitude of both staff and students,” Mocogni said.
The Building Manager at DHS for two decades plans to stay busy once retired. Mocogni is looking forward to spending time with his son and daughter, as well as his grandchildren. He has always been active in home repair, and wants to continue to stay busy. He even thinks he will be busier than he currently is now.
“I liked interacting with staff and students the most. I have no regrets. I really enjoyed my time here at Deerfield.”

Janet Pomorantz
Janet Pomorantz started working here at DHS in 1997-as an Alternative Education Program (AEP) for four years. Ever since, Ms. Pomorantz has worked in the Special Education Program. Ms. Pomorantz really enjoyed working with the older kids.
“At first, I thought to myself ‘what did I get myself into.’ But I enjoyed it here, working with the older kids, and the one and one,” Pomorantz said.
The longtime staff member at DHS plans on being very busy once she retires. Ms. Pomorantz likes to paint, draw, build things, and even enjoys refinishing furniture. She plans on continuing to do those things that she appreciates. Ms. Pomorantz also wants to spend time with her grandchildren.
“I will miss most the kids, walking around the school with them. And the People.”

Jay Feinberg
Jay Feinberg began his DHS career in 1999, working here as an aide, where he prepares chemicals for the science department. Before finding an opening for this job here at Deerfield, he thought about retiring, but felt he was too young to do so. So, instead of retirement back in ‘99, he began 16 years of a new chapter in his life.
“I like that I can pretty much do my job and not have many issues relating to it. It gives me a place to go to everyday,” Feinberg said.
Feinberg says the amount of work he has varies each day.
“Some days I’m very busy, and other days not so much. But I always try to find something to do,” Feinberg said.
“I’m going to miss my supervisor, Judy Lupke. She’s been very easy to work for,” Feinberg said.