As the first quarter of school draws to a close, the back to school jitters have worn off and the normal routine has set in. Traditions such as the beach trip and homecoming are anticipated along with the opportunity to join one of the clubs on campus like the California Scholarship Federation.
CSF is a club in which students meeting certain academic requirements become involved in the community. It also gives students a chance to have a good time with one another through serving others.
According to www.csf-cjsf.org/, the purpose of the California Scholarship Federation is to encourage high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship among California students. Mr. Charles F. Seymour proposed it at a convention of high school principles of Oakland in 1916. He was the vice-principal of a high school in San Diego County and began by organizing a scholarship society on his campus.
Since then, high schools nationwide have adopted this organization and turned CSF into a highly esteemed and prestigious club. The rapid growth of CJSF, a similar club appearing in many middle schools, has greatly strengthened the attendance of teenagers in CSF programs.
“My first year here, Principal (Gary) Schultz asked for a volunteer to accept the position as the CSF adviser,” Molly Sargent said. “Due to my foolish enthusiasm, I accepted the challenge and have been the head leader ever since. Mrs. King has agreed to help me out as my co leader and I know she will be a great help to me in lightening my load and planning the upcoming college visitation trip.”
This trip will be an opportunity for students to visit selected Christian and secular universities around California including UCLA, Biola and Azusa Pacific. Visiting these campuses will help prepare students for college life and assist them in deciding which school they will attend.
CSF will also be involved in the Star Tree service project that allows children living in poverty to receive presents for Christmas. The Cinco De Mayo lunch is another event this club is actively involved in every year, in which club members are able to serve the school through a fundraiser lunch.
“CSF is a great way for students to be involved in their school and community,” Jenny Ficklin, ’04, said. “Every year I look forward to the annual snow trip and the other exciting activities we take part in. Since I am not a senior yet it is also a huge privilege to go off campus with my friends for lunch.”
Although the advantages CSF offers now are quite rewarding, there are also other privileges given to club members at their high school graduation. All lifetime members receive a special seal on their graduation diploma, a pin, and gold cords to be worn at the ceremony.
“CSF is a cool club to be involved in because it looks good on college applications and portfolios,” CSF club leader, Jonathon Howard, ’03, said. “I know it will be a good opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills for this year and the rest of my life. It is also a chance for me to help out my community and serve those around me.”
According to Sargent, colleges and universities nationwide encourage participation in this program and are interested in accepting active members of CSF. There is also a $500 college scholarship rewarded to a selected handful of students in California. Every year two students also receive an honorable award known as the Seymour Memorial.
Along with the students involved in CSF, Sargent and King are really looking forward to this year and expect it to be a great success.
“Although CSF membership requires hard work, its benefits span from off-campus privileges to the possibility of college scholarships,” Ficklin said.
