Luke Sonderman, Chapter 1234 – Palm Valley School
Adviser Susie Zachik
Principal Peter Koehler

A four-year member of CSF, Luke is the current ASB President and captain at Palm Valley High School in Rancho Mirage using his skills of leadership to help coordinate CSF and other clubs. According to his advisor, Suzanne Zachik, she explains that “from his position in ASB, he makes sure CSF, and all clubs on campus, are slotted into consistent meeting spots, help to further their causes, run their Winter Olympics, and organize their dances.” Outside of school Luke is currently a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has attained the status of Eagle Scout in December of 2022 by organizing and constructing a garden around the handicapped parking lot at the Desert Cities Baptist Church. At this same church, Luke is currently the director of Media for which he averages 200 hours each year to complete all aspects of the position. He got his start when the Covid Lockdown forced his church” to close its doors. According to Luke, he explains that he decided to step in and put his dedication to service to good use. I called our pastor and told him that I could live stream the church’s services. As if you need to know that he does even more things, he’s also an accomplished drummer, is in a band, gives drumming lessons, and is a co-founder of Sondy Studios which provides affordable recording services for young musicians. Beginning in the Fall, Luke plans to attend Chapman University, major in Business Administration, and minor in Music Industry. An impressive young man, this is Luke Adam Sonderman.

Emma Bronkar, Chapter 1508 – Early College High School
Adviser Anne Lawrence
Principal David Martinez
Newport-Mesa Unified School District

As a member of Early College High School’s CSF chapter in Costa Mesa, Emily explains that even though there is not an active chapter, and officers are not elected, she has still found a way to exemplify the CSF motto “Scholars for Service” in so many other ways. Reviewing her list of activities, it’s clear her passion is helping others through tutoring, which she completes through the National Honor Society. From offering editing advice for students needing help with essays, to algebra and statistics help, Emily has a gift of compassion to help her fellow students. According to her CSF Adviser, Anne Lawrence, “Emma has a unique ability to connect with others, and because of this, otherwise reluctant students are willing to listen to her and to learn from her.” Expanding her reach for community service, Emily serves as the secretary for the Serving and Learning Together Club, and with others is responsible for helping to plan community service events. Beyond school, Emily has been a committed volunteer at Harbor Trinity Church since 2016, assisting with the children’s program, serving as a church event volunteer, and planning community service events. According to Claire Campbell, the Director of Student Ministries, “Emma is an excellent role model to other students her age and younger.” Are you sensing a theme here? Don’t make this girl angry or she just might display her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills that’s been working on since 2014. Moving into her future, Emma plans to attend either UC Irvine, UC Riverside or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she will major in Environmental Engineering. When those rare moments occur where she has down time, Emma loves to unwind listening to soundtracks of musicals. I am proud to introduce you to Emma Bronkar.

Sky Bui, Chapter 633 – Bolsa Grande High School
Adviser Hannah Jaspard
Principal Tracy Conway
Garden Grove Unified School District

A CSF member for all four years of high school, Sky has been the president for the past two years of the local CSF chapter at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove. With over 200 members, Sky’s largest task is coordinating 4 -5 monthly service opportunities for the members, most recently partaking in a Hygiene Drive to support the new mental health facility on campus. Outside of CSF, Sky thrives as a leader, serving as a founding member and Vice President of the Youth Advisory Council, Treasurer and now president of Project Angkor, Vice President of the national Honor Society, Vice President of the Math Club, and a student representative of School Site Council. In all of these endeavors, Sky’s focus is always on helping others be their best. Hannah Jaspard, his CSF Adviser states that Sky has this “enthusiasm for living life to the fullest,” and an “ability to communicate most eloquently to people of all ages.” One of his teachers, Amy Nguyen, writes that Sky’s service to the community reinvents the atmosphere to be more welcoming and supportive.”  In his personal statement, explaining his desire to help the less fortunate, Sky writes that he feels like “a town crier for the homeless minority who suffer silently in my community. For college, Sky will attend UC Berkeley and major in Bioengineering with the plans to go into the biomedical device field. Don’t worry, I was confused too. This means he plans to research things like glucose monitors, or pacemakers, etc. 

If you need to find him when he’s not leading a service opportunity, try the beach, because Sky absolutely loves spending time with family and friends there soaking up the glorious SoCal sun.

Katie Ditter, Chapter 1276 – Westview High School
Adviser Diana Loo
Principal Ernest Remillard
Poway Unified School District

Attending Westview High in San Diego , Katie has been a member of CSF all 8 semesters of her high school career, and has participated in such events as food drives, school carnivals, blood drives and much more. For many of these events, she served as chairman which shows her dedication to leadership. In her personal statement, Katie explains that her “favorite task was spearheading “Start with Hello Week,” where we wrote every student a nametag and displayed them on campus. This helped students meet each other and prevent social isolation.

Outside of CSF, she is a strong leader in so many areas. Katie is the secretary of ASB this year, and has spent much time with school-wide community service, and recognition. This year, she is the president of the club, Random Acts of Kindness, and has been co president, and vice president in previous years. For the Westview Theater Company, she has worn many hats, including junior council, council member, and production manager to name a few. Oh, she’s also the present secretary for the Jewish Culture Club, was the JV Girls Soccer goalkeeper for two years, represented her high school at Girl’s State, and much, much more. Perhaps her most heartfelt involvement is with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where she was chosen as the Student Visionary of the year for 2022 for Southern California and Hawaii and was the runner up in 2023. Abbey Gill, from LLS when writing about Katie “can promise she is a self-starter, unbelievably dedicated to helping others, and is truly an outstanding individual.

Her college plans are to attend either UCLA, USC, or NYU where she hopes to major in acting for film and stage, with a possible minor in Political Science. Whatever her future holds, Katie plans to make “Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew phrase which means “world repair” her personal motto.

Faith Hibbard, Chapter 1293 – Great Oak High School
Adviser Diana Arban
Principal Aimee Ricken
Temecula Valley Unified School District

The current president of Great Oak High School in Temecula, Faith leads a very busy CSF chapter. With over 200 members, Faith has helped with everything from Friendship Bracelet making, to Garden club, to a Greek festival, Operation Christmas Child, and many more. Her favorite is an event called the Spectacular Prom, where she explains that “special education students from the district come to enjoy an amazing night with the CSF students, with the goal of giving them the best night possible with a prom-like setting.” In leadership roles outside of CSF, Faith is the current president of the Habitat for Humanity Club, where she has also served as a secretary. She is also the current president of the National Honor Society and was the vice president last year. I think she likes being in charge. In sports she’s known as Faith “Volleyball” Hibbard. Actually, I just made that up. Seriously though, she has excelled in volleyball all four years of high school as a member of varsity, has also played competitive volleyball since the age of 8, and beach volleyball for the past 5 years. Considering all facets of her life, Fath’s science teacher explains that “Her commitment to community service and volunteering demonstrates a well-rounded and socially responsible approach to her education.” This commitment will lead her to either UC San Diego, or UCLA, where she plans to major in Civil Engineering, and perhaps minor in Business, with the goal of working for an engineering firm as a career. Wherever her future takes her, it is clear that Faith will be amazing.

Nylah King-Boyd, Chapter 505 – Cathedral Catholic High School
Adviser Esther Stephenson
Principal Marlena Conroy

A member of CSF since 10th grade at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, Nylah is the current president of a very active chapter. Under her leadership, CSf has been involved in many community service opportunities, including Trunk or Treat, Easter Projects, Facility Gift baskets, Back to School Supply Drives, Toys for TJ and so much more. Esther Stephenson, one of her AP teachers and current CSF adviser, when speaking about her talents, explains that Nylah is the “glue” for her peers by organizing events that reflect their cultures and identities so that each diversifying factor can be emphasized and appreciated. Continuing in leadership, Nylah is involved in many other  ways including serving as the Lead Student Director, and a Senior Advisor of the Cathedral Catholic High School TedX Program, as president of the Black Student Union for the past two years, and as an Ambassador for the Christ Corps Program on campus. Her skills have also enabled her to attend a summer school program at Harvard University in 2022 in an intro to Infectious Diseases program, and to attend a Research Scholars Bioengineering Program at UC San Diego last summer. Nylah has been accepted to Harvard University in the fall where she plans to major in Biomedical Engineering. A personal motivation due to her aunt’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has inspired her to choose the clinical research path in hopes of one day finding a cure for this devastating disease. For fun, she has been fortunate to visit 10 countries so far and loves spending days watching the rain come down with her French bulldog Louie. No doubt, she will achieve great things.

Hannah Lee, Chapter 667 – Sunny Hills High School
Adviser Hera Kwon
Principal Craig Weinrich
Fullerton Joint Unified High School District

Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton is where Hannah has been a member of CSF during all four years of high school offering service in many projects such as recycling, book drives, creating cards for seniors and more. Hera Kwon, the CSF advisor writes that “Hannah is a remarkable young lady who has shown genuine kindness, empathy, and a passion for the world around her. She has a powerful combination of heart, talent, and work ethic. In other leadership roles, and there are numerous, Hannah truly shines. To begin with, she is the web managing editor of her school newspaper, The Accolade, and has won numerous awards with her staff of more than 40 students, and writes 3 or more articles per week. She is also the Co President since 2020 of UNICEF on campus, and has been instrumental in organizing school-wide events for World Water Day and World Children’s day. She is also the Co President of the Future Young Leaders of America since 2020, which hosts monthly park clean-ups, recycling programs, hygiene packages and food bank services. Arlene Kim, The Director and advisor of FYLA explains that “Hannah pushes herself to be outspoken in order to create a comfortable and safe environment for those around her—she listens actively and considerately, making everyone of all ages and backgrounds feel heard and valued. Hannah also serves as the student coordinator of the school club Good Hands for One, which tutors low-income elementary students in math and English. For her future college plans, she is 99.9% committed to attending UC Berkeley in the fall. She plans to major in English where she hopes, in her own words, to use “the power of the law to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, and she aspires to foster an empowering and inclusive community. From her hectic schedule, there are times when Hannah likes to take a step back and immerse herself in old comforts, like making slime, or dalgina pudding, or perhaps binge watching her favorite show Money Heist.

Luke Sonderman, Chapter 1234 – Palm Valley School
Adviser Susie Zachik
Principal Peter Koehler

A four-year member of CSF,  Luke is the current ASB President and captain at Palm Valley High School in Rancho Mirage using his skills of leadership to help coordinate CSF and other clubs. According to his advisor, Suzanne Zachik, she explains that “from his position in ASB, he makes sure CSF, and all clubs on campus, are slotted into consistent meeting spots, help to further their causes, run their Winter Olympics, and organize their dances.” Outside of school Luke is currently a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has attained the status of Eagle Scout in December of 2022 by organizing and constructing a garden around the handicapped parking lot at the Desert Cities Baptist Church. At this same church, Luke is currently the director of Media for which he averages 200 hours each year to complete all aspects of the position. He got his start when the Covid Lockdown forced his church” to close its doors. According to Luke, he explains that he decided to step in and put his dedication to service to good use. I called our pastor and told him that I could live stream the church’s services. As if you need to know that he does even more things, he’s also an accomplished drummer, is in a band, gives drumming lessons, and is a co-founder of Sondy Studios which provides affordable recording services for young musicians. Beginning in the Fall, Luke plans to attend Chapman University, major in Business Administration, and minor in Music Industry. An impressive young man, this is Luke Adam Sonderman.

Tyler Truong, Chapter 665 – Santiago High School
Adviser Jeanne Wu
Principal Christine Pijl
Garden Grove Unified

The Current President and past Secretary of a very busy CSF chapter at Santiago High School in Garden Grove, Tyler has orchestrated and or participated in many events that support the community, from working at a local food bank, to cleaning up beaches, to writing letters to medical workers, and so much more. In other ways to showcase his passion for leading others, Tyler is a Founding member and current President of the Santiago Children’s Hospital of Orange County Club. Writing about his work with this club, Tyler explains that, “ Through this club, we have provided outreach to dozens of organizations, donated over $600 directly to the hospital, and most of all made the lives of less fortunate children better. According to his current English teacher, when writing about Tyler, she explains that  “To further his love for science, he co-founded the club MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) to help establish a connection with the MESA competition for our school.” If all of this isn’t enough for you, he’s also the Fundraising Task Coordinator for the Key Club on campus. What might you ask might all of this work prepare him for? Well, he has already been accepted to UC Berkeley, but is still considering UCLA, UC Irine, UC San Diego, CSU Fullerton, or his dream school, Stanford. Once he decides on the college, he plans to major in Biochemistry and Pre Med with the goal of becoming a doctor. While you might see him as a strong leader, he sees himself as a major foodie, and has even made it a goal of rating every Pho restaurant in Orange County.

Noor Randhawa, Chapter 1157 – Woodcreek High School
Adviser Stephanie McGrath
Principal Suanne Bell
Roseville Joint Union High School District

Harkirat Batth, Chapter 1366 – River Valley High School
Adviser Eric Ricketts
Principal Lee McPeak
Yuba City Unified School District

Not only has she been a 4 year member of CSF during high school but also a CJSF member in junior high. Currently Vice President of her chapter at River Valley High.  Harkirat is among the Future Health Professionals, Drama Club, Improv Club and Hockey Field Team.  This year she took on the job of activities director, helped create the Sutter County Library Teen Advisory Board and is President, Founder and  Editor in Chief for The Creative Youth Magazine since 2022.  Her volunteer opportunities started with CSF early on as she found her purpose in each project.  As she volunteered she would not only do the job at hand but would take it a little further.  The activities she remembers the most were theThanksgiving Food drive, Giving Tree and this year alone Breast Cancer Awareness, Holiday Cards for Seniors and Wreaths Across America. This student has received the Silver Key award in poetry and Gold Key award for short story.  She has been honored with the Musical Theory Award and has been given 4 first place and 4 second place awards for Piano.  And not to forget, having a 4.0 or higher for Principals Award all four years in high school.  

Harkirat has many choices for college but will attend UCLA where she was just accepted and double major in Biology and English. Family is very important to her, and she wants to leave a legacy.  Always Dream Big and don’t let the limit of this world hold you back!

Emily A. Garcia, Chapter 1403 – Woodland Christian High School
Adviser Zak McGaugh
Principal Ryan Devine
Woodland Christian Schools

Emily has been involved in CSF and community service activities for 4 years.  Emily’s leadership skills are evident in the following:  two years as Class President and two years Class Representative for ASB.  In 2021 was recognized for FFA Sectional Creed Competition, Numerous Leadership Awards and has been a student athlete in Girls Golf, Softball, and the Swim Team. Emily attended Woodland Christian Youth Softball camp in 5th grade and loved it so much.  She would return year after year and was able to move into a leader at camp and has watched the process to help girls grow and gain confidence while participating in a sport they truly enjoy.   She will attend Fresno State University in the Fall and major in Business Administration and would like to become a CAC Pathologist in the future.  She works at A Change of Pace Foundation and takes on seasonal jobs at the Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Farm.  

Lastly, Emily’s advice to all:  Don’t wait to complete a task when you have time at that moment.  Tomorrow is unknown and there is no telling what it will bring, or what could occur keeping you from accomplishing the task.

Lily Frances Henson, Chapter 380 – Portola Jr./Sr. High
Adviser Lori Marquette
Principal Sara Sheridan
Plumas Unified School District

Lily likes to hike for fun with her family and loves wildlife.  At a very young age she aspired to be a nurse.  With her sister being her inspiration to such a career.  As a sophomore, she participated in Pathways in Medicine with zoom meetings with UC Davis which cemented her desire to push on.  Currently she is job shadowing nurses in her local community.  Lily has been a part of ASB throughout all four years of high school and has been recognized with the Gold Honor Roll all four years.  She enjoys volunteering for school activities such as the prom, carnivals and homecoming events.  She has belonged to the varsity volleyball team for three years.  In her spare time, she volunteers for the Rotarians.  She does have a job too, working at the Drifter’s Table and the Nakoma Golf Club.  She has applied to the CSU’s but her first choice is Southern Utah and will major in nursing. 

Kristine Manalang, Chapter 156 – Vallejo High School
Adviser Julie Czapiewski
Principal Chris Waldron
Vallejo City Unified School District

She is the vice president of her High School’s CSF chapter, where she has taken part in so many activities.  To name a few: Christmas Pictures, Valentine Grams, and Pie Time. She serves on the ASB, has been the secretary and prom committee.  But CSF has a special place as it was the first club she joined after covid.  She quickly became a Treasurer and then moved up to Vice President this year.  Kristine was awarded AP Scholar Award and currently is the Community Organizer for Club Stride.  She loves to bake in her spare time and specializes in Banana Bread.  Kristine has been accepted at UC Davis and is waiting on UC Berkeley and UCLA to major in Engineering. 

Noor Randhawa, Chapter 1157 – Woodcreek High School
Adviser Stephanie McGrath
Principal Suanne Bell
Roseville Joint Union High School District

Noor is a four-year CSF member and has been President for the last two years at Woodcreek High School.  She is a Key Club member and belongs to the National Society of High School Scholars and has been involved with the Best Buddies Organization.  Noor also enjoys playing tennis and the piano for the past 10 years.  During the high school years she volunteered at senior centers, elementary schools, pet shelters, and the armed forces.  Noor has been a tutor at the high school helping other students.  Well, Noor has applied and been accepted to UC Davis and is waiting to hear from UC San Diego, UCLA and UC Berkeley.   Her plans are to major in Biological Sciences and someday become a doctor.  And oh, she speaks 4 languages! 

Kimberly Rios, Chapter 230 – Williams High School
Adviser Patricia Sims
Principal James Welcome
Williams Unified School District

A four year member of CSF at Williams High School, where you will find Kimberly as this year’s senior class president.   She has been involved with the policy making and dress code committee, school site council, secretary and a translator and tutor for the school district.  She was accepted to SMASH UC Davis (intense math and science program). Kimberly has been actively involved with the Vitalant Blood Drives all four years of high school.  She loved working with the Read Across America campaign and helping with community food drives.  You might have even seen her on the track or jumping hurdles. Kimberly has been involved in the Sacred Heart Parish of Maxwell as a Lector helping with the youth group. She has been awarded the National Hamilton Award, College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award, Principal’s Award all four years and is a 4.0 Student Athlete.   Kimberly has been accepted at Harvard and Berkeley but is keeping her options open for all 12 schools she applied to. She will major in Molecular and Cell Biology.   On a side note, she has learned so much from her mom and grandma in the kitchen. They have told her to measure with the heart.  She loves to bake with trial and error and comes up with a few new recipes.

Mansi Sharma, Chapter 1408 – Western Sierra Collegiate Academy
Adviser Mary Buttweiler
Principal Jennifer Hill
Rocklin Academy Family of Schools

A member of CSF and holds the logistic operator position. Mansi is the co-founder of the Painted Ladies Society and American Born Confident Desis (Day sis) where she has led discussion, developed activities and community building.   Mansi has volunteered for park clean ups, feeding the homeless and volunteers in a Hindu Cultural Center. She loves to dance and has been certified to choreograph and teach.  She can play the Bansuri, which is the Indian flute, and enjoys archery and yoga.  Mansi has applied to 9 UCs, so far, she has been accepted to UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis.  If you ask her where she would like to spend the next four years, she would pick UCLA majoring in Computer Science.  She loves to code and thinks it so interesting, Basic, Java Script and Python to name a few.  In her spare time, you might find her painting or drawing or even researching the newest or ancient topic.

Anna Rose Soares, Chapter 120 – Placer High School
Adviser Suzanna Gardetto
Principal Jaime Jackson
Placer Union High School District

Anna knows what she is going to do. She is a three-year CSF member, and also is a 4-year member of the Placerville High School Marching Band as a trumpet player. She has been on the Cross Country and Track Teams for four years and has been named captain and MVP. She has received accolades for her math and science skills and received the Principal’s Award throughout high school.  She mentioned in her personal statement that her mom and dad have helped her grow into the person she is. So, she will follow her dad’s footsteps and become an electrical engineer while attending UC Irvine all the while being accepted to run Track and Field.  If you are ever in the Auburn Canyon, you might see Anna running or rock climbing. She plans on visiting the National Parks someday in her favorite blue Asics.

Leyna Thai, Chapter 1197 – Sheldon High School
Adviser Nichole Cecil
Principal Paula Duncan
Elk Grove Unified School District

Leyna is a three-year member of CSF and is the current Vice President. Throughout her time in CSF, Leyna has assisted with activities and organizations and worked with donating clothes, the local Food Bank, Ice Cream Socials, Dog Toys, Christmas Card Making and Cookie Event, Food Fairs and Club Rush. Leyna has been involved and volunteers for the Soroptimist Club, Outdoor Club, Key Club, National Honors Society, Chemistry Club, Eco Club, Cross Country, Teen Biotech, CTECH Girls Camp and the Perry Initiative. She has applied to UC Berkeley and is waiting for all letters to arrive but has been accepted to UC Davis, UC San Diego and UC Irvine and Sacramento State.  For now, it looks like UC San Diego is her number one. Whichever one she chooses, they will be very lucky to get Leyna. Her goal is to major in Biochemistry.

Gianna Trezza, Chapter 1366 – River Valley High School
Adviser Eric Ricketts
Principal Lee McPeak
Yuba City Unified School District

As a current President of her CSF chapter, Gianna has been an active member for the past four years. Gianna has been involved in many events and activities.  Just to name a few, Fall Festivals and the Spring Fling Service Project.  She is a member of many clubs and organizations such as: FCCLA Culinary Club and Key Club and Jacque’s Dance Expressions.  She has been recognized by the Principal’s and AP Scholar Award. Gianna has applied to many colleges and is waiting to be accepted. UC Davis is her number one choice but here are the others that might be getting a great student just in case she changes her mind. The list includes UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UCLA and UC Riverside, San Diego State, Sacramento State and Chico State.  She wants to major in Design Architecture with emphasis with Sustainable Architecture.  A little-known fact, Gianna has taken her talent of painting to tiny libraries or vista scenes at her school.

Evan Troesh, Chapter 729 – Ernest Righetti High School
Adviser Jennifer Dolan
Principal Ted Lyon
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

Emma Bui, Chapter 54 – Oxnard High School
Adviser Sierra Kaval
Principal Ted Lawrence
Oxnard Union High School District

Laura Gomez, Chapter 757 – John Glenn High School
Adviser Cynthia Johnson
Principal Jennifer Padilla
Norwalk La Mirada Unified

Carolynn Nguyen, Chapter 54 – Oxnard High School
Adviser Sierra Kaval
Principal Ted Lawrence
Oxnard Union High School District

Luca C. Perez, Chapter 701 – Bishop Montgomery High School
Adviser John Hong
Principal Yvette Vigon-Morffi
Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Diego Plascencia, Chapter 1395 – St. Monica Academy
Adviser Jacqueline Halpin
Principal Marguerite Grimm
Los Angeles Archdiocese

Regina Reyes, Chapter 729 – Ernest Righetti High School
Adviser Jennifer Dolan
Principal Ted Lyon
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

Diana Salas, Chapter 480 – Saint Mary’s Academy
Adviser Michele Rice
Principal Brandi Odom Lucas

Shelby Solomon, Chapter 480 – Saint Mary’s Academy
Adviser Michele Rice
Principal Brandi Odom-Lucas

Jennifer Torres-Bocanegra, Chapter 1472 – Sun Valley Magnet School
Adviser Vythu Crystal Lu
Principal Roberto Lee
Los Angeles Unified School District

Evan Troesh, Chapter 729 – Ernest Righetti High School
Adviser Jennifer Dolan
Principal Ted Lyon
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District