New start for California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society
After a two week registration period that ended Sept. 21, many new and returning
members are expected in both the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society.
More than 300 students have already applied for CSF, and NHS expects large numbers this year
as well.
CSF adviser Fern O’Brien has not observed a substantial increase in applicants this year,
but says that, “It is common for many students to come in on the last two days of registration.”
NHS adviser Eleanor Neagley also says that while the honor society is a very big club,
everyone can feel involved by joining one of many small groups for activities, such as helping
with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or volunteering at
elementary schools.
According to O’Brien, it is sometimes a challenge to find enough community service
events for everyone, due to the large number of participants in each club.
Even though both clubs have many members, they require lots of dedication and at least
20 hours of community service. Not every student can manage that with their busy schedule.
“I’d like to learn skills that I can’t in my classes from CSF, but I think that it would take
some time out of my life,” sophomore Jeff Whalen said.
“Although I’m excited to be a part of NHS, I’m worried that it might coincide with some
of my activities on the weekend,” sophomore Kelsey McMorrow said.
According to Neagley, being a part of NHS requires time management, but the benefits
from volunteering outweigh the time requirements.
O’Brien said students display different levels of commitment, “Of the 300 plus members
we have, by the time those members graduate […] only about 20-25 end up fulfilling the active
lifetime service requirements, so it really takes a lot of dedication to do it for four semesters.”
To become a lifetime member of CSF, a student must participate for four semesters, not
including their first semester as an “associate”, log a minimum of 20 hours per semester and
meet certain grade requirements.
In addition to providing students with opportunities for involvement with the community,
both CSF and NHS also have leadership opportunities.
“I hope to gain more leadership skills from CSF because I feel that being involved with it
makes you feel like a better person,” sophomore Ankita Singh said.
Service clubs may also help when it comes to college applications.
“Participation in CSF and NHS are among the many ways students can demonstrate that
they will be active, contributing members of a college community.” said Dr. Sally Springer,
Associate Chancellor Merita at UC Davis and an educational consultant.
Many students also feel that being a part of CSF or NHS is beneficial to themselves
and to the community.
Springer agrees “Participation can have unexpected benefits in terms of helping students
find something that really excites them and (possibly) helping them identify a career path or
other area of interest,” she said.
“It personally gives you an opportunity to give back, […], so it’s great to help out the
community while helping to run the club,” CSF President Manraj Gill said.
