Charlotte Chin
Central Coast Region
Chapter 484 – Bishop O’Dowd High School
Adviser Darling Vinavong

Charlotte is a student at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, where she is the founder and president of the school’s Girls Who Code chapter.  Charlotte is a percussionist in the symphonic band, and a pianist in the string orchestra, and has performed at numerous live and virtual musical events.  She has received the Music in the Parks High School String Orchestra First Place Award, and the California Music Educators Association Excellence Award.  Charlotte plays on both the varsity golf team and the varsity lacrosse team, where she has earned awards for her distinguishing herself as a successful scholar-athlete.  Charlotte has been a summer intern at the California State Treasurer’s Office, and at the Office of Alameda County Board of Supervisors.  As recognition for her service to her community, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Young Adults Gold Award in both 2019 and 2020.  Charlotte volunteers as an art apprentice at the Oakland Museum of Children’s Art, and was a founding student organizer of It Takes a Village COVID PPE Project in Alameda.  

Darling Vinavong, Charlotte’s CSF adviser, states “Charlotte is an exemplification of our Catholic mission and what it means to live your life in service to others.  She doesn’t just volunteer to fluff her resume, she does it because that’s who she is.  Charlotte is a prime example of what the youth of today can achieve.” 

California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, wrote a letter of recommendation for Charlotte in which she explains how Charlotte initiated a proposal to reinstate a defunct treasury program which would address food insecurity in her community and in the State of California.  Ms. Ma states, “Charlotte’s intellectual curiosity, kindness, and work made her a valuable member of the internship.” 

In her personal statement, Charlotte explains how she has gravitated towards choosing extracurricular and volunteer opportunities geared toward tackling social inequality.   To this end her internship at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors focused on finding solutions for food insecurity, childhood poverty, and access to affordable healthcare.  As a founding youth student organizer of the Oakland chapter of It Takes a Village COVID PPE Project, Charlotte expresses, “I think it really does take a village to make the world a better place, and I’m so glad I could contribute to such a worthy cause.” 

Charlotte intends to pursue a degree in Sociology, at either UCLA, USC, or UC San Diego.

Nathan Miranda
South Central Region
Chapter 1182 – Santa Susana High School
Adviser Karen Hazlewood

Nathan Tran Miranda attends Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley California where he currently serves as Co-President of his CSF Chapter.  This Eagle Scout spends a lot of his time on the stage, performing in Show Choirs, A Capella Groups, Musical Theater, and Thespian groups.  But he also finds time to do multiple community service activities including Greeting Videos for Senior Centers, Teacher appreciation days, and more.

“Nathan has created many service projects for CSF members to help out with during this time of isolation. He knows the importance of staying connected and supporting his fellow students.” says Karen Hazlewood, his CSF Adviser.  She goes on to quote Shakespeare in her thoughts about Nathan, “[s]he doth teach the torches to burn bright…” This, too, is Nathan Miranda. By his attitude, actions and words he teaches the rest of us “torches” how to burn brighter and more often.

In the fall Nathan plans to continue his education at an Ivy League college such as Harvard or Princeton and study Biology and Pre-Med.

Safiya Munif
North Region
Chapter 1226 – Horizon Charter School
Adviser Melora Klusnick

Safiya Munif attends Horizon Charter School in Lincoln, California where she has been the CSF President for three years.  She has been working on several community service projects such as the River City Food Bank Service Project, Panda Express Fundraisers, Wellspring’s Women and Children Center, and the CSF Student Leadership Conference.  But she does not stop there, Safiya also works heavily with Sac Web Design a Non-profit organization, Impact Sac a Non-profit organization, and The Gen Zero Podcast.

Paris Dye, the Executive Director of Impact Sac says, “Safiya boldly leads the group of over 100 teens through several projects, experiences, and opportunities without losing focus of her personal mission to graduate college, produce the Gen Zero Podcast for youth and go on to achieving great success in her adult life.” 

Safiya goes way beyond just academics in her life.  Her CSF Adviser, Melora Klusnick, talks about her initial impressions about Safiya, “I was thoroughly impressed with the fact that she had a detailed plan for improvements in several areas. She wasn’t just finding a problem; she was providing a solution.”  Safiya is also passionate about her Pit Bull Terrier and wants to change the stereotypes regarding this breed. 

While she is undecided as to which college she will attend this fall and is excited in exploring all the options that her school of choice has to offer.

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.