If there’s one student who knows how to balance service, scholarship and leadership, it’s Medrisya Minassian. Born in Iran and raised in Glendale, Medrisya is a dedicated student whose passions include giving back to her community and making a difference on campus.
Now a senior at GHS, Medrisya has taken her commitment to excellence a step further by becoming the president of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), one of our school’s most respected academic service clubs. Her leadership has already made an impact, inspiring members to get involved and stay connected through meaningful service.
Medrisya explained that she first decided to join CSF because of the club’s unique mission. “I joined [CSF] for its focus on service and academics, and wanted to lead to help expand its impact,” she shared. Her goal as president is to make sure that every member experiences the rewarding feeling of giving back, while also excelling in their studies.
As CSF president, Medrisya’s main responsibilities include leading meetings, planning service projects and helping members stay active and involved. She takes pride in creating an inclusive environment, where every member feels encouraged to participate and contribute.
One of the events Medrisya is most proud of organizing is Round Up, which marked an important moment for the newly reestablished CSF chapter at GHS. “I’m so proud of my club members for volunteering and donating,” she said. “It made me feel like all the planning I did with Mrs. Clark-Reed did not go to waste.”
Through CSF, Medrisya has helped promote a balance between academic excellence and community involvement. “It encourages students to give back while maintaining strong academics and leadership,” she explained. Her leadership has helped create a culture of service that motivates students to think beyond themselves and invest in their school and city.
Of course, leading a club isn’t without challenges. One of Medrisya’s biggest struggles has been keeping engagement high among members. To overcome this, she has introduced more interactive meetings and began highlighting members’ efforts to keep everyone motivated and appreciated.
Over time, Medrisya has discovered that leadership is about more than organizing projects—it’s about inspiring others. “I’ve learned organization, communication and how to motivate a team toward shared goals,” she reflected. Her ability to stay organized and enthusiastic has made CSF a welcoming and active space for all students who want to make a difference.
