The South Seymour Finalists at the South Region Awards Event hosted by Chapter 868js Van Avery Prep in Temecula, CA.
Many thanks to CJSF Adviser Teresa Bolton and Principal Angela Pena for hosting the South Region CSF/CJSF Awards Event.

As this year’s CSF President at Mission Vista High School in Oceanside, Emilie leads a very large CSF chapter of more than 400 students. She oversees a team of 16 club officers who help organize alumni guest speakers, annual college field trips to UCLA and UC Irvine, the Club Carnival, and popular fundraisers such as the Panda Express and Candy Lei events. This highly active CSF chapter also partners with HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) to help plan the school’s annual blood drive.

Emilie’s leadership extends beyond CSF. She also serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society, further contributing to student leadership on campus.

Yet it may be on the stage where Emilie is most widely recognized. A dedicated ballet student for more than 13 years, training five days a week, she has performed in soloist roles for the past four years and was selected as a Youth America Grand Prix award winner, an impressive honor in the world of dance.

Outside of school, Emilie has also immersed herself in the field of health care. She serves as an American Cancer Society Legislative Ambassador and as a chapter representative for Young Leaders in Healthcare, reflecting her growing interest in medical science.

Her CSF adviser, Susan Thomas, writes that Emilie’s “maturity, resilience, and character are beyond anything I have seen in a high school student.”

When asked about her college plans, Emilie politely declined to name her choice just yet—she said she didn’t want to jinx the outcome. Wherever she decides to go, she plans to study Molecular Biology or Biochemistry as she begins her path toward a career in science and medicine.

Congratulations to Emilie for being named a CSF Seymour Award Finalist. CSF celebrates her achievements and looks forward to the impact she will continue to make.

Audrey currently serves as CSF President at Irvine High School, where she has made a significant impact on her chapter. During her presidency, Audrey has increased overall membership by 25 percent and has personally volunteered more than 60 hours at community events.

Beyond CSF, Audrey is also the President of the National Charity League, Inc., Irvine Chapter, where she has contributed more than 500 hours of service. Through events such as the organization’s annual fashion show, a Backpack Food Drive, and Project Pillowcase—which provides hand-decorated pillowcases to military service members—she has helped generate thousands of dollars in charitable donations and expanded support for community causes.

Audrey also serves as the Lead Volunteer in the Mother–Baby Unit at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, further reflecting her dedication to service and community care.

Her leadership extends across campus as well. Audrey is the current Vice President of the Irvine High School Student Forum, the school’s student government organization.

In her personal statement, Audrey reflects that beginning in eighth grade, she came to realize that “humans compassionately caring for each other is something we need to foster more in society.” This belief continues to guide her commitment to service.

Looking ahead, Audrey plans to study Public Health on a pre-med track, with a possible interest in advising public policy and legislation related to health. She has already been accepted to the University of California, Berkeley, and is awaiting decisions from MIT, Cornell, Brown, Yale, and Stanford.

When she is not volunteering or leading school organizations, Audrey enjoys playing the violin and figure skating with her sister.

CSF congratulates Audrey on being selected as a CSF Seymour Award finalist.

A member of Patrick Henry High School’s CSF chapter for all four years, Jasper has contributed his time to a wide range of service activities. His volunteer work includes helping renovate a preschool, serving as games director for a Vacation Bible School, distributing gifts through Toys for Tots, assisting with food rescue and distribution, collaborating with Mission Trails Park rangers on native species planting, participating in campus cleanups, and much more.

Outside of CSF, Jasper serves as the Membership and Outreach Coordinator for the Academic League Club, is a member of the Philosophy Club, and contributes as a staff writer for the Patriot Press, the school’s campus newspaper.

His CSF adviser, Alli Downing, writes in her letter of recommendation that Jasper is a student who “listens before he speaks. He serves without seeking praise. He leads by example.”

Jasper’s interest in environmental science began at a young age, inspired by conversations at the dinner table with his father, a science teacher, who introduced him to the field of environmental studies. That early curiosity led Jasper to ecology, and he was later selected to serve as one of twenty Eco Ambassadors at Mission Trails Regional Park, where he worked alongside experts in a variety of ecological fields. In this role, he applied his knowledge to the local chaparral ecosystem and participated in planting native species to help restore the natural environment.

This passion for Ecology and Evolution will guide Jasper as he continues his education. This fall, he plans to attend UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, or Stanford, where he hopes to further explore environmental science and potentially conduct research supporting nonprofit environmental organizations.

A fun fact about Jasper: he is often the master of random trivia, and on evenings or weekends he can sometimes be found seeking out live jazz performances.

Congratulations Jasper on being selected as a CSF Seymour Award finalist.

At Sunny Hills High School, Danielle is widely recognized as a leader. She currently serves as CSF President and has previously held roles as Volunteer Coordinator and Fundraising Director. Under her leadership, the chapter has organized numerous service initiatives, including book drives, donation collections for refugee and immigrant families, and support drives for unhoused individuals, among many other efforts to serve the community.

Danielle’s commitment to service extends far beyond CSF. She serves as the Chapter Head for Living Outside, an organization dedicated to assisting unhoused individuals in Fullerton and Anaheim. She is also the founder of the Colors of Hope Initiative, which creates arts and crafts projects accompanied by messages of encouragement for hospitalized individuals.

Another example of Danielle’s initiative is Teens2Tots, a program she co-founded and now serves as Co-President. Through this program, high school students connect with elementary school students in bi-weekly sessions that support both academic learning and creative expression.

Her leadership across campus continues through several additional roles. Danielle is the President of the Air Force Association CyberPatriot Club, President of the Algebra Center Tutors, and Vice President of Helping Hands. Each of these roles reflects her strong commitment to service and to supporting others.

Danielle’s passion for helping people has also shaped her academic goals. She hopes to become a physician, recognizing that medicine is not only a science but also a way to care for others with compassion and empathy. She plans to study Physiological Science on a pre-med track and has applied to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and Stanford.

When asked about a hobby, Danielle shared a lighthearted detail: among family and friends, she is known as a master at catching flies out of midair.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Danielle on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.

A member of the CSF chapter at Great Oak High School for all four years, Srihitha currently serves as Co-President. Earlier in her leadership journey, she was elected Treasurer, where she quickly began organizing successful fundraisers, including restaurant fundraising nights and a Krispy Kreme fundraiser that helped raise significant support for the chapter.

Now as Co-President, Srihitha has helped guide the chapter in creating two remarkable community events designed to serve students with special needs: a Spectacular Carnival and a Spectacular Prom, both providing opportunities for celebration and inclusion.

Beyond CSF, Srihitha is the Co-Founder and President of HOSA (Future Healthcare Professionals), serves as Assistant Chief of Staff for the Healthcare Explorers Club, and is the Community Outreach Manager for Interact at her school.

Her involvement extends into the broader community as well. Srihitha participates in a neurosurgery internship at Temecula Valley Neurosurgery Clinic, has served for two years as an appointed member of the Youth Advisory Council, and founded Senior Symphonies, where she serves as President. She also volunteers with the Swim Buddies program in Temecula, supporting individuals with special needs.

In her letter of recommendation, Diana Arban, CSF adviser at Great Oak High School, writes that Srihitha’s passion for the medical field—particularly her dedication to serving individuals with special needs—clearly shines through in her work with the Healthcare Explorers and Swim Buddies programs.

This passion will guide Srihitha as she continues her education. She plans to attend UC Berkeley, Duke, UCLA, or UC Santa Barbara this fall, where she hopes to major in Public Health or Global Health as she prepares for a future career in medicine.

When she is not busy serving her community, Srihitha enjoys spending time outdoors and hiking in nature, especially in the hills around La Jolla.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Srihitha on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.

Divy currently serves as Co-President of the CSF chapter at Great Oak High School and has been an active member for the past three years. Previously serving as Chapter Secretary, he has contributed to numerous initiatives, including organizing the Garden Club, supporting the UNICEF Recycling Program, coordinating the South Asian Culture Club’s bracelet-making service event, and helping organize the chapter’s Spectacular Carnival.

In addition to his work with CSF, Divy holds leadership roles across campus. He is the Co-President of the Science Olympiad Team, Founder and Co-President of the South Asian Culture Club, and Co-President of the Garden Club. Under his leadership, the South Asian Culture Club has hosted an Asian Culture Night for the past two years, celebrating cultural diversity within the school community. Divy also serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and is the Founder and Co-President of the High School Alliance for Future Physicians.

His leadership and commitment to service have earned recognition from the school community. Stacy Moore, a community member, notes that Divy’s impact on campus was formally recognized through the Peer Leaders October Changemaker Award—an honor given to a student who demonstrates initiative and embodies the spirit of “service above self.” Nominated and voted on by peers and selected by the Team Inspire Committee, the award reflects the meaningful impact of Divy’s leadership and the respect he has earned from those around him.

Looking ahead, Divy plans to pursue his academic interests in Neuroscience on a pre-med track, with the goal of becoming either a neuroscientist or a psychiatrist. He is considering attending Yale, Columbia, Brown, UCLA, UC Berkeley, or Johns Hopkins as he continues his educational journey.

When he is not leading student organizations or serving his community, Divy enjoys collecting Kinder Egg toys and has been an enthusiastic collector of Beanie Babies since childhood.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Divy on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates his dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.

During her time in the CSF chapter at Sunny Hills High School, Terah has participated in a variety of service initiatives, including donation drives, creating cards for senior citizens, a Ronald McDonald House Orange County drive, the Global Heartbeat Donation Drive, and community recycling events.

Beyond CSF, Terah serves as Headquarters President of the CAL GIVE Foundation, where GIVE stands for Give, Inspire, Volunteer, Educate. In this role, she helps lead more than 150 members, coordinating fundraising efforts, recycling drives, and grant initiatives that support both local and global disaster relief. Through these efforts, the organization raises over $2,000 annually to support communities in need.

Terah also plays an active leadership role on campus as President of the Mock Trial Club. In addition, she is involved in numerous student and community organizations, including the International Baccalaureate Program Student Council, the Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton, the Young Senators Program, Higher Ground Youth and Family Services, the OC All Rise Student Mentorship Program, and the Helping Hands Club.

Her CSF adviser, Hera Kwon, writes in her letter of recommendation that Terah’s “exceptional academic achievements, exemplary community work, compassion, and conviction reflect her deep commitment to building stronger communities and advancing policies that expand opportunity and dignity for all.”

In her personal statement, Terah reflects on the importance of community and mentorship:
“When I teach a piano lesson or guide an art activity, parents often stand nearby recording their child with pride. Moments like these are the greatest reward for me—a testament to how our shared curiosity and creativity have built a community grounded in learning and hope.”

Looking ahead, Terah plans to attend Yale or a University of California campus, where she hopes to major in Social Sciences or Anthropology. She is interested in pursuing a future career as either a judge or lawyer, focusing on education policy or economics.

In her free time, Terah enjoys watching Korean entertainment and says she can easily identify more than 50 Korean actors and actresses.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Terah on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.

At Westview High School, Pauline currently serves as CSF President and previously held the role of Vice President. During her leadership, the chapter has participated in numerous service initiatives, including blood drives for the past two years, the Rancho Peñasquitos Wildlife Safety Service Project, and beach cleanups over the past three years.

Beyond CSF, Pauline is the President of Key Club, where she has held multiple leadership roles throughout high school. She also serves as Vice President of Service Events for the National Honor Society and has been a Link Crew Leader for the past two years, mentoring and supporting incoming students.

Pauline’s leadership extends across several additional programs on campus. She is a Westview High School Ambassador, Director of Operations for Peer Counseling, and the Co-Founder and Event Coordinator for Service and Outreach for the Westview AIM Mental Health Club, helping to promote awareness and support for student mental health.

In her personal statement, Pauline reflects that “at its core, service is rooted in passion, commitment, and empathy.” She explains that her leadership experiences have been a foundational and eye-opening part of her journey, strengthening her commitment to creating opportunities for others to serve and to help build stronger communities.

Looking ahead, Pauline plans to attend either UCLA or the University of British Columbia, where she hopes to study Educational Sciences or Education and Social Transformation.

When she has time to unwind, Pauline enjoys watching and singing along to Disney musicals and spending time singing with her sister.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Pauline on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.

Since 11th grade, Willa has played a key role in helping launch and grow a newly established CSF chapter at Samueli Academy. As the chapter’s Community Service Coordinator, she developed a personalized service placement system for members and led volunteer efforts with the Orange County Food Bank. She is now focused on expanding the chapter by recruiting new members and strengthening its service initiatives.

Willa’s leadership extends across many areas of campus life. She is the President and Co-Founder of the College Tour Club, President of the Coding Club, and CEO of Virtual Enterprises International, a business and entrepreneurship program for high school students. She also serves as Project Manager for the Design Class, where she led her classmates in publishing an illustrated children’s book.

Beyond school, Willa has been an active member of Girl Scouts for 12 years and is currently working toward her Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor. Since 9th grade, she has also served as both a leader and camp counselor, mentoring younger scouts and helping guide outdoor programs.

Reflecting on her high school experiences, Willa writes that she has learned to “align her experiences to help others create their own meaningful service opportunities.” This philosophy shapes her work across many settings—teaching younger girls in Girl Scouts, mentoring incoming students at Engineering Camp, and applying skills she has gained through her internship experiences.

Her CSF adviser, Kim Dawson, echoes this perspective in her letter of recommendation, noting that Willa “sees knowledge as something to be shared, leadership as a responsibility, and service as proactive.”

Willa plans to attend UCLA, UC Berkeley, or UC Santa Cruz, where she hopes to major in Computer Science or Environmental Design with the goal of eventually working in virtual reality game design.

In her free time, Willa enjoys designing video game worlds and participating with her Girl Scout troop in competitive camping competitions.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Willa on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.

San Marcos High School in San Marcos is where Zoe serves as the current Senior Officer and Outreach Coordinator. She has held leadership positions within the chapter since 9th grade and was also a CJSF member during middle school. Perhaps she once sat in the audience at a conference, watching the Seymour Finalists and hearing about their remarkable accomplishments—and imagined that one day she might follow the same path.

Through CSF, Zoe has participated in the tutoring program, volunteered with Music for the Ages, assisted with chapter finances, and contributed in many other ways. Her adviser, Jenna Masters, writes in her letter of recommendation that Zoe’s “willingness to take on a more active leadership role than past Presidents in CSF suggests she has a sense of initiative and resourcefulness that is indicative of her ability to problem-solve and seek solutions. I am so impressed by her attitude and efforts and am grateful for the time she has invested in developing the club’s mission.”

Outside of CSF, Zoe serves as President of the Science Olympiad Club, Vice President of the Rotary/Interact Club, Captain of the Academic League, and Captain of the San Marcos High School Mountain Biking Team. Reflecting her passion for music, Zoe co-founded and now serves as President of the Music for the Ages club, which brings seniors in retirement communities together through music. Through this program she has contributed more than 100 hours of service, building support for seniors in her community and helping bridge generational connections.

This combination of leadership, love of music, and interest in the medical field will take Zoe to the University of Utah this fall, where she plans to major in Biochemistry and pursue a PhD in Biomedical Research.

When life gets stressful, you may find Zoe racing through rough terrain on her mountain bike.

The California Scholarship Federation congratulates Zoe on being named a CSF Seymour Award finalist and celebrates her dedication to scholarship, leadership, and service.