Connor Claborn
South Region
Chapter 1336 – Tahquitz High School
Adviser Daisy Figueroa

Connor Claborn is a student at Tahquitz High School in Hemet.  He has been the vice-president of his CSF chapter, participating in such activities as Pennies for Patients and the CSF Panda Express fundraiser.   Connor is also active in the Calculus Club, the Engineering Club, and was a Boys State delegate.  As a varsity tennis player Connor has three times received the MVP recognition, as well as the Hemet Unified School District Outstanding Athlete Award, and CIF Mountain Pass All League MVP.  Connor’s list of academic awards and recognitions includes the AP Honor Award, the AP Scholar Award, four Student of the Year Awards, and he is the Tahquitz High School Valedictorian. Connor spends time as a healthcare volunteer, a mathematics tutor, and playing the piano for various events. 

Ms. Figueroa, Connors CSF adviser explains that Connor is “…highly dedicated to academic excellence…and highly motivated to serve his community.”  S

teven and Michi Swanson, the co-directors of the Andante Piano Studio, describe Connor as “…unique, thoughtful, and warm-hearted, with an optimistic attitude and open-minded approach to learning.” 

Quoting the opening statement of Connor’s personal statement he explains, “Throughout my life I have always been fascinated by all of the spectacular feats humanity has accomplished which has pushed me forward in life to pursue my interests while striving to assist others along my path.”  He goes on to explain how he has worked hard to succeed in academics, music, and athletics, and says “All of these experiences have shaped me into who I am today and will push me forward in life to make my impact on the world.” 

Connor hopes to attend UC Berkeley and major in Computer Engineering.

Nishi Bhagat
Central Coast Region
Chapter 749 – Mission San Jose High School
Adviser Katherine Geers

Nishi Bhagat is a student at Mission San Jose High School.  She is a student representative on the Fremont Unified School District Board of Education, and on the FUSD Local Control and Accountability Advisory Committee.  Nishi is the co-founder and president of MSJ Foundation for the International Medical Relief for Children, and the founder of the Special Education Music Program.  She is the president of MSJ Pen in a Box, and a writer and copy editor for the school newspaper, The Smoke Signal.  Nishi participates in the Tri-City Band Corps, Girls Who Code, the Perry Initiative Program, and The PublisHER.  She has volunteered at the Palo Alto Veterans Affair Medical Center.  Nishi has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, Bronze and Gold.  She is employed as a private tutor, and has been an account executive for The Daily Californian. 

Katherine Geers, MSJHS CSF Adviser, describes Nishi as extremely bright, talented, and a dedicated student who has been an active member of CSF.  Ms. Geers explains, “Nishi’s strong work ethic can also be seen in her extra-curricular involvement.”

Andrea Angelo Corona, the Local Sales Manager for The Daily Californian, writes about Nishi, “She is a charismatic individual…exhibits the qualities of a leader.  She is an intelligent, well-rounded  and grounded individual who overcomes challenges and is eager for new opportunities and experiences.  She has the qualities to succeed in any endeavor and always maintains a positive attitude.  I admire her for her intelligence, sincerity, and honesty, and as a self-motivated learner.” 

Nishi opens her personal statement with “I am beyond grateful for my community and the time I have spent giving back.  Not only has my service taught me more about the world at large, but it has taught me more about myself, the values that define me, and who I want to become as I take on the world.”  Nishi goes on to describe her involvement in the music community, creating a program for special education students, and her work furthering her passion for science and technology empowering females.  She concludes by saying, “Through the ups and the downs, my community pushes me to be a better me, and I will be forever thankful for that.” 

Nishi hopes to attend either UC Berkeley or UCLA to study cognitive science and computer science.

Lena Bennett
Central Region
Chapter 1384 – Harmony Magnet School
Adviser Vicky Edwards

Lena Kate Bennett is a student at Harmony Magnet School in Strathmore and is serving as the CSF President. Her activities include the Harvest Festival fundraisers, Valentines for Vets, thank you letters to firefighters, letters to veterans and seniors as well as collecting donations for a pet, women’s and homeless shelters. She is also President of Associated Student Body and Junior State of America clubs and Treasurer of Harmony’s Science Club. Lena is currently serving as the Porterville School Board Student Representative and as the LCAP Student Representative. In addition, she has participated in Link Crew, served as a math tutor, and played tennis and volleyball.

Lena states “Being a part of CSF has served to deepen my motivations to solve problems in the world and helped to nurture my beliefs that I can create change.” To that extent, she created Happy Heart to support and empower middle school girls who are often going through many, often difficult, life changes. During her internship with Food Link, she recognized a similar need for support of local families due to societal inequities.

To extend her potential influence, she has interned at campaigns for Andrew Janz and Drew Phelps. Andrew Janz recalled an event where Jena had to step in to introduce him “She spoke articulately, commanded the attention of the audience, and invoked a sense of positivity in the potential future of our community.”

Throughout her high school years, Lena has consistently espoused high expectations for herself. Her CSF advisor writes “she is mindful of what she does, . . ., sets high, but realistic goals for herself, and works consistently to reach them.”

With that in mind, Lena hopes to attend Columbia University and major in Middle East and Islamic Studies.

Caterina Marji
South Central Region
Chapter 1395 – Saint Monica Academy
Adviser Jessica Halpin

Caterina Marji is a senior at Saint Monica Academy in Montrose California where she is actively involved in her CSF chapter and serves as its vice president. While not playing field hockey or running cross country, she has also been seen on the soccer pitch or participating in clubs on campus.  While she was a  member of the Academic Decathlon team, the robotics team, and active in Student Council, she also found time to found  the Latin Club on campus.

Her CSF Adviser, Jacqueline Halpin, mentioned that “she has been instrumental in drafting and lobbying for municipal legislation prohibiting vape/smoke shops from opening near schools; she also created campaign material for teen vape prevention.”

Caterina stated that ‘I volunteer and fundraise for an organization that is building the first medical clinic in Kawangware, Kenya. From hearing the stories from visiting volunteers she was inspired to help in the building of the clinic, Caterina looks forward to traveling to Kenya, where they will  finalize the building of the clinic, do exams and ultrasounds, and host medical camps.  This experience in Kenya will be her first trip out of the United States.

Next fall, Caterina plans to attend Duke or Dartmouth and begin as a Pre-Med major eventually going to Medical school and work in Neurological Sciences.

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.

Amina Federspiel-Otelea
North Region
Chapter 1409 – Ghidotti Early College High School
Adviser Dominie Wilhite

Amina Federspiel-Otelea has spent her High School career at William and Marian Ghidotti High School in Grass Valley California.  As the current Co-President of her CSF Chapter she has helped with numerous volunteer activities including, Card making for the elderly, Penny Drives, CSF Tutoring, Thank You Cards For Veterans, Organized the school-wide Christmas gift drive with Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, and Valentine’s Day Cards for CHLA. 

“At the beginning of Amina’s junior year, she sought out an opportunity to live and work abroad in India.” mentions her CSF Adviser Dominie Wilhite, “This was not a program or a planned course but rather an experience entirely of her own creation.”  Amina is a multicultural student who was born in Germany, and wants to see multiple perspectives in her education. 

Rajal Chakrabarty speaks about Amina’s time at her school in India, “Amina is comfortable with students of all ages and is able to interact well with her mentors. She is enthusiastic and keenly involves her students in the learning process. She is resolute in her aim to be a teacher and has been seen equipping herself well with the necessary skills to be one.” 

This fall, Amina is setting her sights on attending St. Johns, or St. Mary, or Yale and continuing her studies in the Liberal Arts and eventually becoming an educator.