Tristan McMichael
North Region
Chapter 373 – Quincy High School
Adviser Gregory Prouse

Tristan McMichael is finishing his time at Quincy Junior / Senior High School where he is serving as the president of his CSF Chapter.  When he is not playing soccer or tennis, he spends his time working with the High Sierra Community Orchestra or the Plumas Performing Arts Organization.

Martha M. Walters, the Board President, Plumas Performing Arts talks about Tristan’s time working with PPA, “Tristan brought an idea to our board in May to hold a virtual performance competition open to high schoolers throughout the county. He structured it in such a way as to be a low barrier to participation from our students while recruiting top-notch judges to ensure that participants received helpful feedback in a positive environment.”  She continues, “The logistical and administrative challenges of organizing this event were beautifully managed by Tristan, and we saw a larger impact from providing a creative outlet to young performers.”  You can feel Tristan’s passion for PPA, since he co-founded the nonprofit Plumas Performing Arts, whose mission is to support the performing arts at all ages and levels throughout Plumas County.

Gregory Prouse, the CSF Adviser at Quincy JR/SR High uses Tristan’s own words to comment about him, “”you should know that I care about the people around me and will not hesitate to stand up when there is an injustice”

In the Fall, Tristan plans to attend University of the Pacific (UOP) and major in Music Education and eventually desires to become a Music Teacher.

Jamaal Willis
South Region
Chapter 93 – Barstow High School
Adviser Andrea Stetler

Jamaal Willis is a student at Barstow High School where he is the president of his CSF chapter.    With CSF he has participated in Honor Day, Club Rush, and coordinated events with virtual speakers from institutions like Columbia and Yale.   Jamal is also the ASB president, and Captain of the Mock Trial team.  He is a member of CLEW Club (Community Leadership Empowerment Workshop), Key Club, and PRISM.  Athletically, he is the varsity captain in track and field, and a varsity football player.  Jamaal is an activist for the ACLU, and the NAACP, and is a staff member for Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership.  Other volunteer activities he has been involved in are a virtual town hall, the Barstow County Library, the Veterans Home of California, and Student Voices/R.E.A.C.H. 

Jamaal has received many accolades and awards, among which are the AP Scholar Award, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and a Certificate of Commendation from the California State Assembly.  While studying, volunteering, and playing sports, Jamaal has also been an intern for a California Assemblyman, an AP Live Streamer, and worked 50 hours a week as a thrift store assistant. 

Andrea Stetler, Jamaal’s CSF Adviser, states that Jamaal embodies the CSF motto of “Scholars for Service”, “His school and community service is motivated by a strong sense of social justice and compassion.” 

California Assemblyman Mike A. Gipson wrote Jamaal’s community letter of recommendation.  Mr. Gipson sees Jamaal as very passionate, and “…he has demonstrated the skills, experience and commitment needed in helping residents…and played an important role in addressing community issues by volunteering countless hours as an intern.” 

Although faced with life challenges, Jamaal says in his personal statement, “…I’ve learned to accept myself…I demand to be heard and am steadfast in making future generations matter.”  Jamaal’s motto is “I do what I do not for myself but for those around me and the betterment of my community.”

Jamaal hopes to attend either Stanford University or Harvard University, majoring in Political Science and International Relations.

Aaron Morales
Central Coast Region
Chapter 873 – Archbishop Mitty High School
Adviser Janie Falcone

Sarah Yum is a student at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose.  Sarah is a Student Ambassador in her CSF chapter, and last year was Lead Organizer for Teens-For-Teens Christmas Drive.  She has also been a Back to School Night Volunteer, a Peer Tutor, and an Open House Representative.  Sarah is the president of the Archbishop Mitty ASB, and Archbishop Mitty Speech and Debate.  She is a team member for Archbishop Mitty Campus Ministry, and a member of the varsity badminton team. 

Sarah’s community service includes being a volunteer at the Silicon Valley Korean School, a Sunday Friends volunteer, and an election canvasser and youth leader for the South Bay Youth Changemakers.  She has earned awards as an AP Scholar of Distinction, and a National Merit Scholar, as well as the St. Francis of Assisi Award for Service.  Sarah is employed at a nutrition coordinator with Sunday Friends. 

The CSF Adviser at Archbishop Mitty High School, Janie Falcone, describes Sarah as thoughtful, persistent, passionate, and independent.  Mrs. Falcone explains, “It is hard not to be impressed by Sarah’s creativity and devotion to helping our faculty and student body maintain some happiness during tough times.  Sarah loves meeting new people, and being part of her communities.  She takes great pride and care in doing her best in everything that she is involved in.” 

The Activity Director for Sunday Friends, a nonprofit organization that serves families from underserved communities in San Jose, Shiloh Hampole, explains that due to Sarah’s assertiveness, enthusiasm, and reliability, she quickly became the go-to volunteer when they needed help with an expected issue.  Ms. Shiloh explains, “She has always been an excellent role model that goes above and beyond in her interactions with each child.  Overall, Sarah displays all of the positive qualities we like to see in our volunteers, and we are certain that she will continue to carry these strengths with her into the future.” 

In her personal statement, Sarah begins, “Service isn’t just a one-time opportunity.  It is continuous care and consideration for others in hopes to build a stronger community.  I have been serving others since the 3rd grade…CSF first gave me the platform to empower and uplift others through leadership opportunities.  As a leader, scholar, and creator, I hope to continue finding ways to serve people and communities for future years to come.” 

Sarah plans to attend either Stanford University or the University of Pennsylvania, and major in Political Science and Business.

Kane Sjoberg
Central Region
Chapter 260 – Thomas A. Edison High School
Adviser David Wisar

Kane Sjoberg is a student at Edison High School in Fresno and serves as Vice President for his CSF chapter. He is an officer for the Model United Nations and Philosophy Clubs, and has participated in the Math, French, Battle of the Books, and Chess Clubs. Kane is also the team captain of both the swim and water polo teams. The water polo team won a championship, and was runner-up (2nd place) the following year. Kane individually qualified for Valley Championships (Section Finals) all four years. Through his experiences with these teams, he developed as a leader inspiring him to form inclusive locker rooms. Kane writes “Mutual respect for human dignity is unifying, and leaders garner respect through compassion and humility; coercion inspires intimidation and fear.”

Slaten R. Van Saun, volunteer photographer for Fresno USD, describes Kane as someone with “an endless hunger for knowledge and to learn as much as possible.” Consequently, when Mr. Van Saun set out on a complete backyard renovation project, he asked for Kanes’ assistance because he felt Kane would challenge both to perform their best. Kane demonstrated a similar dedication to the Fresno County Public Library. His CSF advisor, David Wisar, writes “he managed a budget, connected with various French language community groups for input, and helped build a robust catalog so that anyone in the community could have access to resources they need to learn French regardless of status or funding.”

Kane will attend Harvard University and is interested in astrophysics or planetary sciences.