MARSHA SAWA

A little about Ronald Burton Clifton:

Ronald Burton Clifton CSR 675: Volunteer, leader, friend, mentor, consummate gentleman, steward of his chosen profession.

Every once in a while - unfortunately, not very often - you meet someone whom everyone likes, whose peers aspire to emulate, who when they're gone you are thankful you had the honor to know them. Ron Clifton defines that category. And he made it look easy.

Just a few of Ron's accomplishments and contributions to the profession:

Long-time supporter and advisor to DRA

Frequent visitor to high schools and reporting schools

Mentor to countless reporting students and new reporters

Author of portions of the English and Professional Practice portions for the CSR test

Ever-present proctor and cheerleader at CSR tests

President of Los Angeles Generals

President of CCRA

Member of the CR Board from 1985 to 1993

Fellow of NCRA Academy of Professional Reporters

Top-notch reporter - and he did it with a pen!

We lost Ron in October of 2005. We deeply miss his wonderful sense of humor and the pleasure of his company. He would be truly pleased to know that we honor his memory and his accomplishments in the manner.

Marsha's acceptance of the Ronald Burton Clifton $750 Scholarship:

I'm very thankful to DRA for selecting me as one of the recipients for the student scholarships. When I started speed-building in court reporting school, my financial concern at that time was to find ways to save money on steno paper; but as I progressed in speed and the years passed by, my financial concern then became not only to find ways to finance my equipment but also to stay in school. I'm grateful for the generosity of DRA in helping students make it toward the finish line by easing the financial burden.

I would also like to thank the teachers at Cypress College, where I attend now; and the teachers at Bryan College, where I started; and I would also like to thank Carolee Freer, who is always encouraging her student body to be involved in events and opportunities given by court reporting organizations such as DRA.

Thank you, everyone.