Congratulations to Our 2017-2018 Graduates!
A heartfelt celebration of our 2018 graduating class, featuring students and teacher sharing their year through poetry and reflections from Russian literature.
To the graduating class of 2017-2018 at Russian Language & Arts—congratulations on this wonderful milestone!
Watch the video above to hear directly from our students and their teacher as they reflect on their year together. In this heartfelt presentation, they share poems from Russian literature that resonated with them throughout their studies.
A Year of Poetry and Growth
This graduating class distinguished itself through a deep engagement with Russian literary traditions. Throughout the year, students immersed themselves in the works of classical Russian poets, memorizing and performing verses that have touched hearts for generations.
In the video, you'll hear students reciting poems they carefully selected—works that spoke to their own experiences of learning, growing, and carrying forward their heritage language. Their teacher shares reflections on watching these young people blossom into confident speakers and passionate lovers of Russian literature.
The Power of Shared Words
There's something magical about poetry recitation. When our students stand before family and friends to deliver verses by Pushkin, Lermontov, or other masters, they're not just demonstrating language skills—they're participating in a tradition that connects them to millions of Russian speakers across time and space.
This 2018 class embraced that tradition wholeheartedly. Their performances showed not just memorization, but genuine understanding and emotional connection to the words.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As these graduates reflected on their time at RLA, common themes emerged: gratitude for patient teachers, appreciation for parents who drove them to Saturday classes, and pride in their growing abilities. Many spoke of how Russian class became more than just language study—it became a community, a second family.
To Our 2018 Graduates
You've shown what dedication looks like. Week after week, you chose to spend your Saturdays learning, growing, and connecting with your heritage. The poems you've memorized, the books you've discussed, the friendships you've formed—these are treasures that will stay with you.
As you move forward, remember that your Russian doesn't end with graduation. Speak it with family, read it for pleasure, and share it with the next generation. You carry something precious.
We are proud of each one of you. До свидания, but never goodbye—you'll always be part of our RLA family.
With warmth and congratulations, Russian Language & Arts
FAQ