by Johanna Ziegler
Throughout four chaotic years of high school, the ominous word ‘college’ is repeatedly thrown around. If students are unsure of how to ready themselves for life after Minarets, they need look no further than the California Scholarship Federation.
CSF Advisor and Minarets history teacher Katie Morgan describes the purpose of the club as, “...to recognize students who are doing well academically at school.” With over 1,500 high school and junior high CSF chapters across the state, members have opportunities to apply for annual scholarships totaling over $120,000. Besides providing an impressive addition to a college resume, being a part of the Minarets CSF chapter can introduce students to new opportunities and new memories. CSF President and Minarets senior Colby Jobinger said, “[CSF does] a lot of cool things for students like taking them to colleges and helping them prepare for applying to colleges and getting ready for the future.”
Along with college preparation, CSF chapters also host fundraisers for the charity of their choice. Last year, Minarets CSF directed its efforts towards the Relay for Life, including selling Luminarias and raising money through the Baby Shark School Bell fundraiser. Fundraisers like these give students the chance to work together and get to know one another during the process. “It’s a really great way to get plugged in on campus and to meet people, especially like minded students who want to succeed academically,” said Morgan. Jobinger agreed, adding, “...we have a group of some of the brightest minds at the school, and it’s such a diverse group.”
Membership in the California Scholarship Federation is determined on a semester basis. At the beginning of each semester, students may apply based on their grades from the previous semester. The higher the grade students receive in a class, the higher their chances increase of being accepted. All students are encouraged to apply; it is important to note, however, that freshmen may only apply at the beginning of the second semester. At the end of their high school career, CSF students receive recognition at graduation, including the famous CSF lamp pin and a golden cord to join their cap and gown.
For those who are considering joining, the application can be picked up in the office. Along with a completed application, students must include a copy of their previous semester’s transcript (a print out from Powerschool is acceptable) as well as a $5 application fee which can be turned into the Media Lounge. The application and the transcript are due in the office by Friday, September 13th, at 3:45 pm. Once accepted, members are invited to attend meetings in Ms. Morgan’s room (613), held every Odd Wednesday at lunch.
High school can be intimidating. The thought of college can be even more intimidating. Joining the California Scholarship Federation can help students take the first steps to being ready for the future ahead of them. Jobinger encourages prospective members with this final piece of advice: “Join. I think there’s no negatives of joining. It’s nothing but positive. Even if you just come for a few meetings, you’re still here and meeting new people.”
For questions regarding the CSF application process, contact Ms. Morgan at kmorgan@mychawanakee.org
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