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.

Sara Faraj
North Region
Chapter 813 – John F. Kennedy High School
Adviser James Lam

Sara Faraj is a senior at John F Kennedy High School in Sacramento and is her chapter’s president. She has helped her chapter by volunteering at the Eskaton Greenhaven Care Center, Tutoring Youth Virtually, and helping coordinate Toy Drives, Food Drives, Children’s Necessities Drives. At her school, she has also been active on the Speech and Debate Team, Sacramento City Unified School District Student Advisory Council, Latin Club, We for (S)he Sex Trafficking Awareness Club, and Club Smile.

Her adviser, James Lam , states that “she has been vital in maintaining a successful Chapter, especially during this pandemic.” When she is not busy playing on a competitive soccer team, she has been spending her time working with the Girls’ Outdoor Adventure in Leadership and Science program, with YouthRISE Sacramento, tutoring 5th grade students, and interning with a local councilperson. “Sara has played an instrumental role in our #Talking Helps campaign, which aims to raise awareness about mental health resources and coping strategies among kids and teenagers. Sara helped organize the campaign, participated in focus groups, and did the legwork of putting up banners, all aiming to help her peers understand that help is available.” states Councilperson Rick Jennings, II.

After high school, Sara plans to study Law and work in Public Policy or the Criminal Justice System.

Alekhya Rajasekaran
Central Region
Chapter 1263 – El Diamante High School
Adviser Jerry Perez

Alekhya Rajaskaran is a student at El Diamante in Visalia and serves as Treasurer for her CSF chapter. Her CSF activities include being a Special Education tutor, multiple school carnivals, making face masks and thank you cards for frontline workers, and math for UNICEF. Alekhya has also participated in Mock Trials, volunteered in the library and played tennis. She was also selected as a columnist for The Milking Cat – a satirical newspaper for teens, is an editor for The Dig – the school newspaper.

Carrie Wilson William, the Supervising Youth Services Librarian, recalls how Alekhya assisted in the planning, creating, and overall success of a Life Size Candyland and other events promoting children’s reading.

Combining her experience with the Visalia Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy and research with local dermatologists, Alekhya founded Kalifornia Kisses featuring lipstick designed for those in her community with sensitive skin. To ease her concerns over COVID 19, she took a Johns Hopkins University class to learn more about how it works. Alekhya spread information from this course to those in  her community as well as translating it for family members in India  Additionally, she realized “A student aspiring to be a physician could take the reins in making day-to-day activities easier for people struggling at home, and make a bigger impact that way.” Thus, she trained as a Seven Cups Listener to provide emotional support for people experiencing emotional distress and a Be My Eyes Helper to assist the visually impaired.

Alekhya will be attending Syracuse University as a Coronat Scholar.