Jayla Taylor
North Region
Chapter 1197 – Sheldon High School
Adviser Nichole Cecil

Jayla Taylor attends Sheldon High School in Sacramento, California where she is the President of her CSF chapter.

“I knew Jayla had to be the President while doing the interviews for CSF because she has shown loyalty and dedication in CSF by being a member for three years and her passion for wanting to bring more community and opportunities for our members to be involved” states Nichole Cecil the CSF Adviser at Sheldon High, “When we decided to run workshops for our members on various topics like job skills and writing college essays, Jayla elected people who would run the workshops and delegate tasks to make the workshops work.” And you can see this leadership quality in the many activities that she participates in, such as  the Biotechnology Academy, Black Student Union, THEATREworks Costumes Crew, Toy Making for Dog Shelters, and the Academic Decathlon. 

Rochelle Ariola, the UC Davis SMASH Site Director, discusses Jayla’s time in the program, “In this past summer, scholars researched problems that have arisen because of COVID-19. Her team’s AR-integrated app explored new ways to virtually connect students and teachers for a more personal and interactive distance-learning experience.”  You can see that a career in the Medical field is where she plans to go. 

In the fall, Jayla plans to attend either UC Berkeley or Stanford University, where she will continue studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology or in the Biological Sciences, but also plans to work in Ethnic Studies and African American Studies.

Jessica Shiflett
South Central Region
Chapter 542 – Adolfo Camarillo High School in Camarillo
Adviser Colleen Colborn

Jessica Chayani Shiflett proudly attends Adolfo Camarillo High School in Camarillo California where she is the president of her CSF Chapter. Along with being a Girl Scouts Gold Award Recipient, spends a lot of time  working with a variety of clubs on campus including the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Interact Club, National Honor Society, a Student Representative for WASC, and  BATA Design (a student-run T-shirt business).

Karen Fraser, her Girl Scout Leader states that “Her boundless energy and ability to seamlessly transition between multiple projects truly astounds me.  Jessica balances rigorous academics, leadership in numerous school organizations, and additional educational courses with Scouts, sports, community service, and is active in her faith and cultural community.”  Jessica is very proud of her Thai heritage and is an active Thai dancer and both teaches and performs Thai dance. 

“Many things have changed since Covid has made teaching 100% virtual for our district this past year” says Colleen Colborn her CSF Adviser, “Jessica has continued to do service virtually and has continued to coordinate the CSF business of running our club rush session virtually for the first time this past year.”

Jessica is still waiting to hear back from several colleges but hopes to attend UC Berkeley next fall.

Taylor Simonich
Central Region
Chapter 1384 – Harmony Magnet Academy, Strathmore
Adviser Vicky Edwards

Taylor Brooke Simonich is a student at Harmony Magnet Academy in Strathmore and serves as the Co-President of her CSF chapter. Her activities included Friends of the Library Book Sale, Valentines for Veterans, Holiday cards for retirement community, Harvest Festival fundraiser, and thank you cards for firefighters and health care workers. She is also the Treasurer of The Class of 2021 and has been a member in Link Crew, Key Club, Math Club, and Mathematics, Engineering, Science, & Achievement Club. In addition, Taylor participated in tennis and track.

Of Taylor, Vicky Edwards (CSF Advisor) writes “She is a humble leader, the kind of young woman who is in the limelight not by trying to get attention, but by putting herself behind and at the scenes.” To that end, Taylor volunteered to work with Happy Trails Therapeutic Horsemanship helping those with developmental challenges.

Furthermore, Taylor was chosen to participate in the Bright Energy 101 program where she was trained in the technical aspect of energy, energy auditing, data collection, and making recommendations. William Kelly, CEO of Bright Energy 101, notes “the Energy and Sustainability Program at her school district last year were impressive including saving the school district over $300,000 while reducing their greenhouse gas emission by 13%.”

Taylor intends to continue her education at UCLA studying political science.

Katherine Tejada
Central Region
Chapter 512 – Redwood High School, Visalia
Adviser Georgette Cheatwood

Katherine Tejada is a student at Redwood High School in Visalia and serves as the CSF President. Her activities included several book drives, Valley Oak SPCA Donation Drive, Bethlehem Center – Soup Kitchen, Thanksgiving Canned-Food Drive, and Reading at the Tulare Public Library. She has also been a member of the Science Olympiad, Key Club, Pro-Med Club and participated with the swim team.

This past year, Katherine was awarded the Visalia Unified School District World Language Outstanding Achievement Award. With in-person meetings on hold and community service minimized this past year, she organized and created a community service log with several opportunities for CSF members to help the community.

Georgette Cheatwood (CSF advisor) writes “she is a positive role model whether she is speaking to 400 students at a CSF Zoom Meeting or patiently explaining how to fill out a CSF application to a freshman.” Moreover, Katherine has created multiple read-alongs for Veronica Portillo-Nichols (an elementary educator) who writes “my little ones have illustrated more enthusiasm in their work and have demonstrated more motivation and comprehension in their reading.”  

In her letter of introduction, Katherine recognizes those who have been a part of her growth – “For without them, I would not have found the ambition to pursue my education to the greatest extent, the passion to serve the community which has molded me, nor the motivation to dedicate my future to carry on the practices I execute presently.”

Katherine has decided to attend Johns Hopkins University to major in Biology as a Pre-Med student.

Elliana Kim
South Region
Chapter 667 – Sunny Hills High School
Adviser Hera Kwon

Elliana Kim is a student at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton.  In CSF she has been involved in a recycling project and Project Teddy Bear.  Besides CSF, Elliana is a member of the Key Club, the National Honor Society, and the Conservatory of Fine Arts.  She also started the Recognize Accept Dance Club, and is its current president. 

In her community Elliana has volunteered for Reimagine Orange County, the New Life Presbyterian Church youth group leadership, and the Always Dancing Project, offering free on-line dance classes to people with developmental disabilities.  As a dancer, Elliana participated in Backhaus, a modern dance and ballet camp, as well as the Fullerton College Dance Workshop where she learned jazz, jazz-funk, contemporary, African, and Latin dances.  Currently Elliana is an intern with Dr. Kit No at Biola University.  She has received many awards and recognitions, including being featured on ABC7 So Cal Strong and KNX1070 for being a person who creates a better community by going above and beyond to help others in need. 

Elliana’s CSF adviser, Hera Kwon, describes her as “…a gifted student and natural teacher” and “a remarkable young woman” who has “…cultivated her immense passion for dance to impact the world around her in unique and creative ways.” 

Sofia Martinez, the Chief of Children’s Programs & North County Operations at the non-profit organization Reimagine wrote in her letter of recommendation that “Elliana has a special spirit and is not like other teens her age.”  Ms. Martinez states that upon seeing Elliana teach young people to dance, she was impressed with her creativity to incorporate her love of dance and children with special needs.  Ms. Martinez goes on to say “Elliana is motivated, driven, resilient, and tenacious in all she does.” 

In her personal statement Elliana expresses how dance is her way of coping with stress, providing a therapeutic escape from the bustles of life, helping her focus on what is most important in her life:  strengthening relationships with others.  Overall Elliana explains that helping others learn to dance has helped her grow and become an advocating voice. 

Elliana has not yet decided on what university she will attend, but plans to major in Sociology.

Briana Gaskill
Central Coast Region
Chapter 666 – Saint Francis High School, Mountain View CA
Adviser MaryLynne Rodriguez

Briana Gaskill is a student at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View.  Briana is a board member in her CSF chapter.  With CSF she tutors multiple subjects, and has worked as a CSF photographer, videographer, fair representative, and spokesperson. 

Beyond CSF Briana is active in the National Honors Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Lancer Changemakers Student Leadership Group, and Campus Ministry.  She has been the Junior Varsity Football Manager, the yearbook staff photographer, and a part of the A Capella Performing Arts group.  Briana’s club memberships include the Business Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Financial Literacy Club, Career Club, Interact, and the Mind Body Spirit Club. In her community Briana is a Girl Scout, earning both her Silver and Gold Awards.  She has been a teen leader at vacation Bible School, an assistant director with Helping Hands Volunteers, and a Eucharistic Minister in her church.  Briana’s numerous awards include the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Saint Francis of Assisi Award for faith and service, and the Brother Eamon Schaffer Award for Service. 

MaryLynne Rodriguez, Brianna’s school guidance counselor, describes her as “…a bright light…a true leader…[who] exemplifies our CSF ideals 100%.  Always going the extra mile, whether it be in her academic studies, or in her community, she can be counted upon to show up and lead.” 

The president of Hope’s Corner, Leslie Carmichael wrote in her letter of recommendation, “Briana has demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and follow-through in activities she has led.  Briana has managed to excel in academics as well as make time to follow her heart to contribute to the community.” 

Briana begins her personal statement with a story of a small mosaic kit her mother had given her, and compares that mosaic to her life, “As I grew my mosaics grew with me, becoming more complex and beautiful.  My life is a collection of experiences, and each experience is like a tiny mosaic piece, and each piece is placed together to composed the mosaic of my life, and I learn from those experiences.  I add beautiful pieces to my mosaic as I do service for others.  My greatest life’s work is to share my time, talent, and treasure with others.  As I look to the future, I am in awe of the bright mosaic before me.” 

Briana has been accepted to Santa Clara University where she plans to study Business Management and Law.