The Cosumnes River College Foundation held the annual Scholarship and Awards Reception in the CRC cafeteria on May 3rd.

Recipients of over 100 scholarships totaling $51,000 were acknowledged with the support of their donors, faculty and parents, said Executive Director of College Advancement Kenneth Cooper.

“Every year, our foundation helps to attract resources in support of students reaching their educational career goals here,” Cooper said.

The evening opened with a keynote by CRC president Deborah Travis, who recognized the event’s contributors and congratulated the award winners.

“These awards are well deserved, and we hope that it will provide at least a portion of the resources that you need to continue your educational journey,” Travis told students.

The Oliver J. Durand Award, named after the college’s first president and the highest honor scholarship available to students, was endowed to ASCRC president Christina Alvarado in an announcement by Travis and campus life coordinator Winnie Moore LaNier.

“It has definitely been a dream come true and I am proud to have contributed so much of my free time to this campus that has treated me so well,” Alvarado said.

CRC athlete and James Clark Memorial Scholarship recipient Orion Kidd was called to the stage to represent fellow students in a speech chronicling his struggle to maintain financial stability and academic progress.

“Nothing comes easy, but through hard work and a bit of faith, anything in this world is obtainable,” Kidd said.

Concluding the talks, radio and television production professor and donor Robert Snowden announced the names of the award recipients.

Music major 22-year-old Juan Gonzales received two scholarships, the John W. Landis Music Scholarship and the Sharp Lewis Visual and Performing Arts Award.

“I felt accomplished that I was able to stand out from all the applicants that were as qualified as me, or better,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales’ father, John, was also in attendance.

“I’m just overwhelmed,” he said. “I’m proud of him.”

Music major Tony Dunns said his acknowledgment of the Emeriti Veteran’s scholarship has motivated him to continue his academic goals.

“Having been out of school for 20 years and coming back, it’s a blessing for me,” Dunns said. “There were times when I wanted to give up the first couple semesters. I’ve been encouraged to press on.”

With the 2012-2013 scholarship season over, Cooper said that the application process will begin again in early January of next year.

“It’s a vital resource for students and we’re looking to offer more scholarships for students next season,” Cooper said.

For more information on the application, available scholarships, or volunteer opportunities, visit the CRC Foundation’s website at http://www.crc.losrios.edu/Community/Foundation.htm.