Each year, the Congress of Russian Americans receives lists of graduates and honor students from parish Russian schools across the United States. This tradition allows CRA to recognize young people who continue to study Russian language, history, culture, and faith while growing up in America.
Some schools have already completed their academic year, and CRA representatives have begun presenting congratulatory letters and awards to students. Other graduation ceremonies will take place in the coming weeks, and additional students will receive commendation and celebration packages from CRA.
Over the years, participating schools have included Sts. Cyril and Methodius High School at the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco; Russian schools at the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame; the school at Holy Transfiguration Church in Los Angeles; and Russian schools in Reno, Sacramento, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and other communities.
CRA representatives present graduates with a congratulatory letter, an honorarium check, a special proclamation from CRA, and honorary CRA membership for the current year. Students who continue their annual membership may remain eligible for waived membership fees while they continue their education. Upon graduating from high school and applying to a college or university, they may also apply for a CRA scholarship.
CRA scholarship applications may be requested from the CRA office. Applications are due by the end of June of the year in which the student is applying.
The Congress of Russian Americans warmly congratulates all graduates this year, including students graduating from Russian schools, American schools, colleges, universities, trade schools, technical programs, vocational institutions, academies, and other institutions of higher learning.
CRA is proud to recognize the achievements of these young people and to support their continued education, cultural identity, and service to their communities.