Miss National CSA Contest
In August 2024, three young women competed for the title of Miss National CSA. The competition, held at our annual Get-Together in Nashville, Tennessee, featured contestants speaking and answering questions from judges. Questions are devoted to lifestyle, education, hobbies, future goals, and other subjects of interest.
Sis. Delaney Schretter of Lodge Ch Harrison/Jan Hus/Garfield #378 was crowned Miss National CSA for 2024-25. Delaney is 19 years old and currently lives in Naperville, Illinois. She started her college education at Benedictine University but will be transferring to Western Michigan University in Fall of 2024. She will be studying Communication Arts with a minor in Film and Digital Storytelling. She hopes to earn her Masters in Communication Arts. Delaney cannot wait to meet more of her CSA brothers and sisters!
You can keep up with Delaney's activities and travels through her monthly Journal articles and our Facebook page. She will be our traveling Good Will Ambassador as she visits lodges, festivals, parties, and other fraternal activities.
Scholarship Program
CSA Scholarships are awarded for one year, provided the student earns a 3.0 or higher grade point average and meets insurance and application requirements. Youth members who meet various requirements are awarded scholarships based on grade point average, college placement scores, CSA and extracurricular activities, and essays. Scholarships also can be awarded to students seeking certification in a trade school or other professional program of study.
Sis. Marina Wilson of Lodge Paramount/Southgate No. 372 received the Best of Class Award of $4,000. Marina will be attending Duquesne University. She intends to major in Biochemistry, Physician's Assistant.
Kropik Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is funded by the Papuga/Kropik family and is awarded to a CSA member who has gone above and beyond in coordination and participation in his or her lodge's charitable causes. Based on the student's record of volunteer work and fraternal good works within our organization, her lodge, and her local community.
Sis. Jadalyn Hanson of Lodge DuPage/Pioneers #409 has won the 2024 Kropik Scholarship. Jada was awarded a CSA scholarship in 2024. She is attending Idaho State University for a degree in social work where she intends to specialize in mental health and substance abuse. Jada is looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
Fraternalist of the Year
Each year since this program's inception in 1985, we have honored one CSA member who has gone above and beyond to exhibit Equality, Harmony, and Fraternity.
Having been a member for over 60 years, Chuck is no stranger to CSA. He attends monthly meetings and serves as an auditor. He also represents Lodge Yankee-Jungmann No. 077 as a delegate to the Bohemian National Cemetery. Chuck is the director of special projects for the Cemetery, which include directing grant applications to the Czech Republic to support maintenance and heritage projects, which include Columbarium restoration and, most recently, the rebuilding of the World War I and II monuments. Chuck always brings enthusiasm and shares exciting topics for discussion during and after the meetings. His affiliation with numerous Czech organizations and knowledge of local Czech history will keep the Czech culture alive and active for future generations. Chuck is a hard-working, caring individual who gives much of his time helping people and promoting Czech history and heritage. He is always willing to take on a challenge. He knows how to “Rally the troops” and bring people together towards a common goal, and he reminds us of the importance of keeping our history alive.
Annual Get-Together
The 87th Annual CSA Get-Together was held at the Sheraton Music City in Nashville, TN, from August 2nd to August 4th, 2024. Approximately 112 members and guests enjoyed a weekend of fraternal goodwill, including a service project, a hospitality luncheon, a bus to and from Broadway, a Boat trip on General Jackson, and our annual Miss National CSA Contest. Outings and trips are being planned for the 88th Annual Get-Together in Cleveland. Start making plans to attend!
Bowl-o-Rama
This youth activity is held on a Sunday morning in the spring, and run by local districts in areas of high member concentration. Bowling at the same time in several cities throughout the country, youth members, ages 5 to 17, compete against each other in several categories for prizes, though all bowlers receive a souvenir.
Photo Contest
Members are encouraged to enter photos in the annual Photo Contest. The photos must be those they have taken themselves; no studio, professional, or re-touched photos. Cash Prizes are awarded in various categories and rankings. This year's Best of Contest winner is CSA member Susan Skrabanek of Lodge Svelto No. 277. Congratulations, Susan!
Lodge Recognition
A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze Star certificate and monetary prize is rewarded to active lodges who meet various requirements for the year. Members can win this award by holding ethnic or youth activities, volunteering in various community programs, and attending educational and social activities.
CSA SERVES
CSA SERVES is a lodge activity that encourages support for a local group or organization which fits the criterion of a common topic. The CSA SERVES project allows lodges across the country the option of selecting one or more charities or community agencies to devote their time and/or monetary donations.
As has always been CSA's policy, any monetary donations made by a lodge are matched by 50% as well as $2.50 per volunteer hour.
In the past, lodges have chosen Food Pantries, Helping our Military, donating to and volunteering at local schools and libraries, cleaning up parks, planting flowers, trees and many other good works benefiting their neighborhoods, churches and schools.
CSA is proud of the dedication of its members and equally proud to partner with them in their efforts.
National Sports Tournaments
National adult member tournaments are held for bowling and golf in different cities each year. Local committees make all arrangements while District Sports committees handle registration. Prizes and souvenirs are awarded.
Join Hands Day
JOIN HANDS DAY, usually held in May of each year, is the only national volunteer day that specifically targets and develops relationships between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering. Youths and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement the day's activities. Building relationships across generations restores confidence, trust and respect for each other and creates a sense of community.
JOIN HANDS DAY is a program of the American Fraternal Alliance. The 124-year-old organization unites 70 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies that operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.
50 and 75-Year Pin Program
Long-term membership is recognized and often awarded in lodge-sponsored pin ceremonies. Fifty and seventy-five year pins are available from the Home Office. Contact us for details.
The Journal
The CSA Journal is a free monthly magazine that keeps members up to date on events within the Society. The Journal is also a forum to talk about new products and features seasonal articles on ethnic traditions and other activities. Many articles are submitted by lodge members. To see the current issue of the Journal, click here.