By Andrew Hackmack
She fulfilled her life's dream to become a doctor and has received numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts. Thousands of children in dozens of nations have benefited from her care.
And it all started for her in Valley Stream schools.
Aronson was born in Brooklyn and raised in Franklin Square where she attended Willow Road School in District 13. She then moved on to the Valley Stream Central High School District, graduating from North High in 1969.
Last Wednesday afternoon, Aronson was recognized by her alma mater with the Distinguished Alumni Award. North High School honors only one person each year and Aronson is the ninth overall recipient.
As she walked up to the podium to speak to the entire sophomore, junior and senior classes, Aronson found herself momentarily without words. She said she is used to speaking in front of large crowds, but this particular moment was truly special.
Her first words were about how much she enjoyed her time at North High. "It's because of this school that I'm here right now," she said. "This is the place where I learned everything I need to know."
Back then, North High School had a student population of about 1,700, which although larger than the school is today, still felt small to Aronson. Everyone cared for each other, she said.
Some things have changed. As the bell sounded to change classes, Aronson noted in her day it was an actual bell that rang, not the "kinder" tone bell the school now has. But some things have stayed the same. She recalled being in Mrs. Scanlon's class when she learned of President Kennedy's assassination. Students in the audience laughed because 45 years later Mrs. Scanlon is still teaching there.
Aronson recalled visiting North High as a sixth grader, in preparation of her transition to the school the following year. She recalled seeing the names of all the past valedictorians and salutatorians on the wall. Then she saw the list of all the past senior class presidents and didn't see any females on the list. Aronson decided her she would be the first, and although she still had six years to go, it gave her something to aspire to. "I felt that there was a spot waiting for me," she said.
When she graduated high school, Aronson described herself as basically a "perfect" child, someone who made her parents proud. Without going into detail, she said she "fell into the times" and didn't right herself until she entered medical school at the age of 31. Prior to that, Aronson spent 10 years as a teacher, a profession she has much respect for.
She is clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and has evaluated more than 6,500 children adopted from abroad. From 1992 to 2000, she was the chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Winthrop University Hospital and also served as director of International Pediatric Health Services.
Aronson founded the Worldwide Orphans Foundation in 1997, which documents the medical and developmental conditions of children living in orphanages around the world. The purpose is to identify their immediate health needs and to advocate for their well-being.
She has adopted two sons -- Benjamin from Vietnam and Desalegn from Ethiopia. "I have two incredible, sweet boys," she said. "They are a gift."
In her advice to the students of North High School, Aronson said to have a vision and to dream. Everything she does is because she has imagined it as a reality. She also said to work hard and work together. Aronson described herself as non-competitive but ambitious.
"I want to continue to be a team player," she said. "I want to be part of coalitions to make the world a better place."
Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein said the purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award is not only to honor a graduate who has done great things, but also to inspire current students. "We want you to see one your fellow students -- who happens to be an alumni -- and to hear about her contributions," he said.
Bernstein described Aronson as a role model and said she has dedicated her life not to making money, but to helping people. He noted that she still includes graduating from North on her resumŽ, which demonstrates how proud she is of her high school education. "It's rare that someone with these credentials includes high school as part of one's resumŽ," Bernstein said. "She has tremendous pride in having been a part of this community."
Aronson was presented her award from North High School Principal Cliff O'Dell. Alumni Association President Miriam Pisk Miller presented her with a copy of the most recent alumni directory and Student Council President Dawnielle Hofsiss gave her a basket of North High School athletic goodies.
Her favorite times growing up were going to the beach or just hanging out at her friends' houses. In high school she worked on the school newspaper, yearbook and always helped build her class float.
Aronson said she has learned from her work abroad that children in other countries are just as smart and talented as those in the United States. It's actually what motivates her to keep working to make their lives better.
"There's kids just like you all over the world," she said to the students. "They're very driven to grow up and be successful. They just need a chance."
Comments about this story? AHackmack@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
