Abigail Valencia
South Central Region
Chapter 1354 – Orcutt Academy High School
Adviser Leigh Bode

Abigail Valencia attends Orcutt Academy Charter High School in Santa Maria, California and currently serves as her chapter’s Co-President.  She has participated in numerous activities as part of her chapter, such as, Campus Clean ups’, CSF Food Drives, Halloween Festival, Crafts for Elementary School,  Personal Letters to Senior Citizens, and a Staff Holiday Gift Project. 

While she does spend a lot of time working with CSF, she also participates in numerous other clubs on campus like, Eco-Friendly Club , Latinos Unidos Club, National Honor Society, ASB, Art Club, and Doggie Do Good, to name just a few. 

“Distance learning has been a challenge for educators and students alike.”, says Leigh Stephenson Bode, her CSF adviser, “Abby emerged immediately as the bright spot in this year.” Cesar De Alba comments “it has become apparent to me that she is a great example of a student who is committed to academics, as well as to growing in her athletic, and personal life.” 

In the fall, Abigail is considering attending UCLA, or Stanford, or perhaps Berkeley, but one thing is certain, she plans to go into Elementary Education.

Andrew Hall
South Region
Chapter 1234 – Palm Valley School
Adviser Susie Zachik

Andrew Hall is a student at Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage.  He is the current CSF president on that campus, and has participated in CSF Honor Student Tutoring, Poetry on the Green, a candy combo fundraising sale, as well as a CSF Community Car Wash.  Andrew is involved in the Outdoor Club, where he is the president, ASB, Film Club, the Asian Cultural Club, and is the yearbook Co-Editor in Chief.  As a scholar-athlete, Andrew plays on the varsity basketball, baseball, and golf teams, and runs cross-country. 

Susanne Zachik, Palm Valley’s CSF adviser describes Andrew as academically “…organized, prompt, and a self-advocate asking for clarification and ways to improve…he is well-liked and respected.”  Ms. Zahcik goes on to say that it is outside the classroom that Andrew shines the brightest, jumping into “…a plethora of campus activities…where he is dependable, individualistic, and diligent.”  Kelly Levy, the Charities & Marketing Director at the BIGHORN Golf Club has known Andrew for six years, and talks about Andrew thusly, “I can assure you Andrew not only has exemplary skills when serving in his community, but he also has a positive attitude while volunteering…[he] has proven leadership through his talents and abilities to guide and support others.” 

“I aim to bring joy to everyone who wants or needs it,” states Andrew in his personal statement, while explaining that CSF is a great platform for him to do this, taking every opportunity he has been given to participate in CSF events.  Andrew tasked himself with making his senior year as enjoyable as possible, despite COVID, and sees himself as being “…responsible for bringing a sense of community to students who are at home during this pandemic by allowing them watch and participate in events.”  Andrew concludes that this has taught him that he can truly change his community for the better —- “one smile at a time”. 

Andrew hopes to attend either UC San Diego or UC Santa Cruz, and major in Business Administration.

Aaron Morales
Central Region
Chapter 96 – Porterville High School
Adviser Michelle Patrick

Aaron Morales is a student at Porterville High School in Porterville. He is the President of the Red Cross Volunteer Club; the Student Business Liaison for the Porterville Academy of Health Sciences Student Council; and a Porterville Unified School District Pathway Ambassador. His activities included volunteering at the Monache High School Library; Porterville Farm Day, Porterville, Iris Festival; Porterville Veteran’s Day Parade and Operation Christmas Child. He has also participated in cross country, tennis, as well as the concert and chamber choirs. Aaron’s work with the Red Cross included a 24-hour Cancer Walk and a Relay for Life. Dr. Pamela Avila (DSE Red Cross Advisor) exclaimed “He is an exemplary, effective role model, especially with his ability to inspire responsibility and only see a roadblock as a challenge to be conquered.”

After attending a Teen Truth conference on the social, emotional, and mental health of students, Aaron and a fellow senior felt the need to offer a similar event at Porterville High School. Though the two had initial concerns, they wrote a proposal and gathered the necessary support. His CSF Advisor, Michele Patrick, writes “Over 300 plus students were able to participate in the Teen Truth assembly and it was received with much appreciation and positive views by the attendees.” Moreover, Aaron hopes this becomes an annual event. In his letter, Aaron states “Doing all of this was never easy; in fact, I often felt overwhelmed. But as much as I gave, I received.”

Aaron will continue his education at Claremont McKenna College to study history and/or psychology.

Chiara Blake
Central Coast Region
Chapter 261 – Antioch High School
Adviser Carolyn Moe

Chiara Blake is a student at Antioch High School, where she is currently the president of her CSF Chapter, and has been involved in CSF as the Coordinator of College Preparation Seminars and the Warm for the Holidays Food and Toy Drive. In CSF she has also participated in the Panther Pantry Food Drive, the Club Carnival, and Black History Month Awareness. Chiara is an intern for the Earth Team at Antioch High School, Upward Bound TRiO Program at UC San Francisco, and the Biotechnology Academy Biotechnology Partners Program. She is on the varsity volleyball team, and has been employed as an assistant volleyball coach with the Uncommon Synergy Volleyball Club. Chiara has worked as a math & science tutor, and as an apprentice at the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs. Her recognitions include a United States Senate Certificate of Commendation, a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and the Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Coaches Award.

Carolyn Moe, Antioch High School’s CSF Adviser, explains Chiara’s expectations of herself are exemplified in her schoolwork, personal outlooks and extracurricular activities. “Her work, in and out of class, is reflective of her work ethic. She makes every effort to go above and beyond what is required of any task. The results of her efforts are mature, thoughtful and perceptive. Chiara models respect towards others by being honest and true to herself.”

Glenda Biden’s, Deputy Director TRiO Upward Bound wrote in her letter of recommendation for Chiara, “Chiara has held various leadership positions in our organization…all of which she has embodied with distinction, maturity, and precision. Her academic curiosity coupled with her strong organizational skills have resulted in her completing multiple academic, familial, and personal projects simultaneously….[Chiara] has an entrepreneurial spirit, prioritizes her priorities, and remembers to help others in need.” I

n her personal statement Chiara explains how her mother instilled in her the belief that she needs to work toward her dreams, push self-doubt aside, and always look for opportunities to grow. Chiara says, “I plan to give back to my community by providing opportunities for students…who are part of low-income, underrepresented, minority communities, enhancing their chances of success and their ability to excel in their future endeavors. This is something I hold dear to my heart.”

Chiara hopes to attend either Columbia University or Boston University, to study neuroscience or marine biology.