This year, the CRA scholarship was awarded during the luncheon after the liturgy at the Our Lady of Kazan church at Russian River in Guerneville, CA to David Nadelson-Dubinsky by CRA President, N. Sabelnik.    David joined CRA as a junior member along with his family many years ago and took out regular membership when he turned 18 years old.  He had volunteered for CRA’s numerous events, including the 40th and 45th anniversary conferences, festivals and other events in the Russian-American community.  He served in the altar at the All Russian Saints church in Burlingame, CA, graduated from their Russian School as a gold medal recipient and performed Ballroom dancing along with his sister for frequent festivals and other cultural events.  His exemplary grades, along with his active participation in the Russian American community made him an excellent recipient of the CRA scholarship this year.  

It is important to note that the scholarship, as well as participation in Russian School graduations are as important to our Russian-American youth, as they are to CRA, as we continue to congratulate and recognize our Russian American community youth.  This is another platform for visibility and awareness.  Russian School graduates are given proclamations (gramoti), congratulatory letters, honorary CRA membership for the current year and for Gold or Silver medal recipients, a stipend, as well.   The CRA scholarship recipients are also acknowledged with a proclamation, congratulatory letter and a $1,000 check.  They are eligible to post for the scholarship again the following year if they are still continuing their college or university education.