The California Scholarship Federation is a nationally recognized honor society at Aliso Niguel High School with its first meeting scheduled for Oct. 8 at lunch in the theater.
Participation in the club looks positive to many colleges because it is a trustworthy source to confirm students’ dedication to their schoolwork and others. Members receive a seal on their diplomas and their membership is noted on transcripts that are sent out to universities.
Club President Sanvi Shah (12) said, “It shows that you’re a student with academic rigor who also cares a lot about the community.”
CSF is an application-based club with its members having to reapply every semester, regardless of their previous involvement. Sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school are eligible to apply. The application is mainly based on their grades from the previous semester to receive credit for their hard work.
Club Advisor, Mrs. Sepe said, “We will be giving them opportunities to a) volunteer, b) give them information about college visits and c) …get a college counselor… to give [them] tips on how to best apply for colleges.”
In reference to the opportunities listed by Mrs. Sepe, many of these opportunities for scholarships and volunteering are exclusive to current members.
Members are required to earn 30 points per semester to be active sealbearers, which is indicated on their diplomas. These points can be earned by paying dues to the society, volunteering in the community, attending monthly meetings, completing college activities and participating in club fundraisers.
Mrs. Sepe has been the advisor for CSF since the fall of 2021. Throughout this time, she has learned to add a newsletter for members and schedule new opportunities for the club with the help of the college and career center on campus. This year, Shah and Mrs. Sepe both express their excitement over having more guest speakers, such as college counselors or students, to prepare members for applications and their futures.
Shah is the president of CSF, meaning she manages club events and ensures that everyone’s questions are answered. She hopes that under her leadership she can improve the club by adding direct contact options with the executive committee in order to provide quick and easy answers to any issues or concerns that may arise.
Shah admits, “Sometimes it does get confusing and we just want to make it as easy as possible for everyone.”
Even though freshmen cannot join CSF until the spring semester. Even then they can only receive associate membership, Sanvi Shah encourages them to learn more and apply next semester.
Shah said, “If you’re a freshman who doesn’t know about CSF please come up to one of the officers that are listed on the website, ask about it, it’s a great opportunity.”
The California Scholarship Federation for Aliso Niguel has an Instagram page and the website anhscsf.org with information about upcoming events that club members or anyone who wants to learn more about the society should visit.
The meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month in the theater at lunch.
