CSF Announces the 2025–2026 Seymour Award Central Region Finalists

Nine of the Central Seymour Finalists at the Central Region Awards Event hosted by Chapter 1250jc Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Selma, CA.
Many thanks to CJSF Adviser Paul Romig and Principal Katie Carmany for hosting the Central Region CSF/CJSF Awards Event.

Melannie Cabrera – Chapter 1286 Delhi High School
Adviser Flor Navarro
Principal Ed Taylor
Delhi Unified School District

Melanie Cabrera is a student whose Delhi High School career is defined by versatile leadership, academic excellence, and a deep heart for service.  A dedicated member of the California Scholarship Federation since her freshman year, Melanie has consistently earned her place on the Superintendent’s and Principal’s Honor Rolls. Her leadership is multi-faceted; she has served as Student Council President, is the current Vice President of Health Occupations Students of America, and represents her peers as the Delhi Unified School District Student Board Member.

Melanie’s passion for medicine is evident through her work with the Delhi Medical Academy of Science, where she has already earned her CNA and CPR certifications. Her commitment to her community further shines through her role as a Sheriff Explorer—recently taking First Place in the Merced County Crime Scene competition—and her years of service as an Altar Server.  Recognized as the DAR Good Citizen of the Year and a recipient of the California Seal of Biliteracy, Melanie truly embodies the spirit of a scholar-leader.

Her adviser describes her as “a young woman of integrity who will continue to positively influence and contribute to every community that she becomes a part of.” She hopes to study public health at UC Merced next year as she experienced a long-term illness in 6th grade that inspired her to look at health and healing as a future career.

When not working to make the world a better place, she likes to relax with her crochet hooks and make something beautiful or functional to enjoy.

A. Chester – Chapter 1547 Sanger West High School
Adviser Karla Bretado
Principal Ryan Osier
Sanger Unified School District

A. Chester is a student whose high school journey at Sanger West is a masterclass in leadership, academic rigor, and selfless community service. A Life Member of the California Scholarship Federation, A. has been a cornerstone of the organization, serving two terms as Vice President before being elected CSF President. His impact is felt through his hands-on mentorship—leading application workshops, organizing college field trips, and acting as a youth representative to encourage middle school students to strive for excellence.

His leadership extends far beyond the classroom. He is the founder and President of the Chess Club, Vice President of the Library Advisory Committee, and a founding member of the Civic Engagement Club. His 12-year journey with 4-H culminated in his prestigious selection as a California 4-H State Ambassador, where he earned the Platinum Level Record Book and numerous Gold Awards for his public speaking and project work.

In addition to being a standout Varsity Tennis player, he is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a recipient of the State Seal of Biliteracy. His adviser says, “ His leadership is not symbolic; it is active, hands-on, and rooted in a genuine desire to strengthen opportunities for others.”

A. has not made any decisions about college or his major, but he feels his life-long work as a 4-H member embodies his passion for helping others and allows him to strive for his personal best and keep a healthy mind and body, while remaining humble and open to new learning and experiences.

Miguel Galaviz – Chapter 1100 Duncan Polytechnical High School
Adviser Gabriel Perez
Principal Eric Martinez
Fresno Unified School District

Miguel Galaviz is a student whose high school career at Duncan Polytech has been defined by a rare combination of scientific brilliance, disciplined leadership, and a profound commitment to his community.  As the President of the California Scholarship Federation chapter, Miguel has led with a focus on service and operational excellence.

However, his influence reaches far beyond the classroom. Miguel is a burgeoning scientist, having served as a Clinical Research Intern at UCSF Fresno. His work on Type 1 Diabetes was so impactful that he was selected as a presenting author for both the Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Western Society for Pediatric Research—a remarkable feat for a high school student.

His leadership is equally evident in the AFJROTC, where he serves as the Deputy Squadron Commander, overseeing 165 cadets. His senior aerospace science instructor says of Miguel, “his dress and appearance, good conduct, attitude, recruiting ability and dedication to community service are impeccable.” He was also honored with the prestigious American Legion Military Excellence Award.

Miguel’s dedication to healthcare is proven by over 300 volunteer hours at Community Regional Medical Center and his completion of clinical hours for CNA licensure. He is most proud of his work with UCSF Healthy Equity as a research intern and looks forward to a major in public health or nursing that he intends to pursue at university.

Whether he is tutoring peers, teaching Sunday School, or conducting independent public health research, Miguel embodies the highest standards of excellence.

Karen Garcia – Chapter 1320 Millennium High School
Adviser Lauren Moore
Principal Carolyn Woods
Tracy Learning Center

Karen Garcia is a student whose Millenium High School career has been defined by a vibrant blend of artistic passion, academic rigor, and heartfelt service.  A dedicated member of the California Scholarship Federation since her freshman year, Karen’s commitment to her peers culminated in her election as President of her CSF chapter. Whether she is organizing the Senior Thanksgiving Dinner, coordinating fundraisers, or crafting thank-you cards for staff, Karen leads with a spirit of gratitude and excellence.

As the Captain of the Colorguard, she has brought discipline and grace to the field, while her role as Vice President of The Wishing Crane Project showcases her dedication to meaningful community outreach. Karen was also hand-selected to represent her school at both the EDGE and Rotary Youth Leadership seminars, proving her status as a rising leader in her community. Academically, Karen is a consistent Gold Honor Roll recipient who balances dual enrollment at San Joaquin Delta College with serving as a Biology Teacher’s Assistant. This year, she is further honing her talents through an internship at The Grand Theater.

Karen’s CSF adviser describes her as “having passion, respectability and dedication” which she applies to all of her endeavors.

She is currently waiting to hear from one of her top schools, both in the UC system where she hopes to study neurobiology or neuroscience; and she acknowledges that her favorite memory of high school was performing with Color Guard and all of the friends she made with that team over the years.

Amberly Gomez – Chapter 260 Edison High School
Adviser David Wisar
Principal Joey Munoz
Fresno Unified School District

Amberly Gomez is an Edison High School student who perfectly defines what it means to be a scholar, an athlete, and a community leader. As the President of the California Scholarship Federation chapter and a Summa Cum Laude Valedictorian, Amberly has maintained a standard of excellence that is truly inspiring. Her leadership spans every corner of campus; she is a two-year Marketing Officer for the Red Cross, the Co-founder of Edison Girls Run, and served as the Varsity Track and Field Team Captain.

Whether she is serving as a Lead Juror for the Fresno County Youth Court or working as a Peer Mentor for Fresno Unified, Amberly is always finding ways to lift others up. Her academic achievements are equally impressive, including the AP Scholar with Distinction Award and the California State Seal of Biliteracy.

Beyond the classroom, Amberly is a creative entrepreneur, successfully running her own business, Ambar Accessories and More, since 2022. From establishing CSF’s first social media presence to placing in the CART Annual Showcase, her legacy is one of innovation, discipline, and heart.

Her CSF adviser shares that Amberly’s commitment is to use her communication skills to “lift up communities in need and amplify voices that might not be heard.”

She has been accepted to the Fresno State prestigious Smittcamp Honors program and plans to major in communication and journalism or public relations and continuing her work as an entrepreneur.

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Kaitlyn Kwong – Chapter 1320 Millennium High School
Adviser Lauren Moore
Principal Carolyn Woods
Tracy Learning Center
Temecula Valley Unified School District

Kaitlyn Kwong is a student whose career at Millennium High School has been defined by remarkable initiative, artistic talent, and a deep commitment to her community. A consistent member of the California Scholarship Federation since her freshman year, Kaitlyn has always prioritized service, from fundraising for the American Cancer Society to leading campus appreciation events. Her leadership presence is felt across the school; she serves as the President of the Interact Club, the Vice President of the Asian Pacific Islander Club, and is the Founder and Chapter President of The Wishing Crane Project of Tracy.

Kaitlyn’s talents are as diverse as her leadership roles. She is a dedicated musician, serving as the Flute Section Leader in the Marching Band and a long-time cello performance student. Academically, she has maintained a place on the Gold Honor Roll for four consecutive years and was honored with the College Board National First Generation Recognition Award.

Whether she is interning in finance and marketing, volunteering at an animal rescue, or representing her peers at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Kaitlyn approaches every challenge with grace and excellence. According to her adviser, it is hard to believe she has had enough time to do all of her leadership and community service activities and to also work part time, but she has accomplished all of this and will be earning two associate’s degrees by the time she graduates!

She is currently waiting to hear from one of her top UCs where she wants to follow a path in accounting/business where she enjoys the order, organization, and beauty in the logic of math. This love of order matched with creativity is what has spurred both her love of music and being a musician with proficiency in violin, cello, as well as the flute.ship, leadership, and service.

Joey Munoz – Chapter 66 Sanger High School
Adviser Nikki Le Daud
Principal Jon Tillotson
Sanger Unified School District

Joey Munoz is a student whose Sanger High School career has been defined by exceptional leadership, scientific curiosity, and a profound commitment to his community.  As the Co-President of his California Scholarship Federation chapter and the President of MESA, Joey has balanced rigorous academics with high-level competition. His STEM talents took him all the way to the State Think Tank competition, and he has consistently reached for excellence, earning the AP Scholar with Honors distinction and the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma.

Joey’s influence extends far beyond the lab and the classroom. He is a State Qualifier in both Speech and Debate, serving as the organization’s Treasurer for two years. His heart for service is equally impressive; as the Vice President of Hope Sanger, Joey has spent four years organizing holiday blessings and the “Coats for Kids” drive. His community recommender, a Hope Sanger board member, explained that “whether organizing, delegating, or motivating the team, Joey leads with humility, confidence, and a deep commitment to helping others.”

When he is coordinating community blood drives with the Health Youth Corp or engaging peers through the California Youth Voters, Joey’s dedication to others is unwavering. He hopes to attend Cal Poly or Berkley and major in bio chem or cellular/molecular biology. He seeks to combine his love of service and his love of science to improve lives.

A three-time Block S Award recipient, Joey embodies the very best of student leadership.

Hailey Perez – Chapter 1212 Granite Hills High School
Adviser Mariah Ruiz
Principal Jacob Bowker
Porterville Unified School District

Hailey Perez is a dynamic leader and scholar-athlete who balances high-level academics with a profound commitment to her community.  As the Vice President of the California Scholarship Federation chapter and a five-semester member, Hailey has been a cornerstone of student leadership at Granite Hills High School.

Her academic record is exemplary, earning her five Principal’s Awards for maintaining a GPA above 4.0 while mastering a rigorous schedule of AP and Dual Enrollment courses.  Hailey’s leadership extends from the classroom to the court. A powerhouse athlete, she has played three years of Varsity Volleyball and Basketball, serving as Varsity Basketball Team Captain. Beyond sports, she is a talented performer who has spent four years in the Mariachi Academy as a singer and guitarist.  Her heart for service is truly remarkable.

Whether she is coordinating blood drives, reading to children at the “Porterville Reads” event, or assisting the Porterville Police Department with active emergency drills, Hailey is always ready to step up. This dedication is further reflected in her role as a Link Crew Commissioner and her internship as a Student Aid for the CSET LEAD program. Her adviser said that “she leads by lifting others” and her community recommender echoed that she is “driven to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

She plans to attend Chico State and study animal science which is a love she acquired growing up around animals on her family’s property. She loves to relax and celebrate her creativity with ceramics or photography in between all of these academic pursuits.

Tyler Uhlik – Chapter 390 Hanford High
Adviser Shannon Sill
Principal Darin Parson
Hanford Joint Union High School District

Tyler Uhlik is a student whose high school career has been defined by exceptional leadership, a competitive spirit, and a deep-rooted commitment to service. A cornerstone of his California Scholarship Federation chapter, Tyler’s dedication culminated in his service as Chapter Vice President in his junior year and President as a senior. From organizing fundraisers to coordinating community projects with the King’s Gospel Mission, he has helped to lead Hanford High with integrity and a hands-on approach.

Tyler’s influence extends far across campus and into the community. He has served as a Class Representative for four years, is a key member of the Executive ASB, and held multiple leadership roles within the Interact Club. A standout in the FFA, Tyler is a California State Degree recipient and a State Champion on the Advanced Agriscience Team. His passion for animals led him to place 4th as a high individual in the State Finals for Veterinary Science. His district superintendent and co-adviser of Interact Club says that Tyler’s “intellectual curiosity, discipline, and ability to manage a rigorous academic workload place him among the top students” encountered in his career.

Tyler is a force on the court as the Varsity Boys Tennis MVP, a dedicated volunteer for the Kings Art Center, and a champion for Relay For Life. He hopes to study animal science, and fell in love with the raising of livestock from his family’s business and traditions. 

He hopes to continue his journey at Cal Poly SLO or UC Davis.  He enjoys relaxing anywhere outdoors – skiing, surfing, hiking,  and fishing (especially with his step dad).

Taylor Usher – Chapter 1379 Sierra Pacific High School
Adviser Brian Dull
Principal Jamie Rogers
Hanford Joint Union High School District

Taylor Usher is a standout student-leader whose Sierra Pacific High School career has been a vibrant display of spirit, service, and academic excellence.  As an ongoing member and current Vice President of the California Scholarship Federation chapter, Taylor has played a vital role in her chapter’s success, previously serving two terms as Treasurer. Her leadership is felt across every corner of campus; she is the ASB Social Media Commissioner, a former President of S-Club, and a decorated athlete who has served as Varsity Cheer Co-Captain.

Taylor’s list of honors is as diverse as her talents. She is a Valley Champion in Water Polo, the 2025 SPHS Cheerleader of the Year, and a triple All-American in cheer and dance. Beyond athletics, Taylor has represented her community with grace as a local teen titleholder within the Miss America organization, earning awards for Scholastic Achievement and Community Service as Miss Kings County’s Teen.

Her community recommender highlighted that Taylor performed her duties as Miss Kings County’s Teen displaying the values of hard work, integrity, and leadership.  Her work within the Miss America pageant system has been a highlight of her high school career and she feels this has fostered her sense of empowerment and sisterhood for building community. In the community, Taylor’s heart for others shines through her work with the CASA Crab Feed, the Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, and Read Across America. She also brings a strong work ethic to her roles as a Head Lifeguard and Recreation Leader. 

Currently committed to Colorado State University, she plans to pursue Political Science and Government studies.