Fifteen individuals took the Oath of Allegiance and became United States citizens during a federal naturalization ceremony hosted by Voorheesville Central School District on April 30. These individuals, originally from the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Jamaica, India and other parts of the world, completed a long journey to U.S. citizenship that required years of dedication.
The ceremony was a collaboration among the school district, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, and the League of Women Voters. U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance.
The event brought together new citizens, their families, students and community leaders including Assemblymember Gabriella Romera of the 109th Assembly District, for a formal welcome into civic life.
Voorheesville Central School District Superintendent Frank Macri said hosting a naturalization ceremony gave students a chance to witness and learn.
“As a school, our mission is rooted in preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens,” he said. “There is no better example of that than witnessing a naturalization ceremony. Watching 15 individuals take the oath was a reminder for all of us, students and adults alike, of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.”
Students were heavily involved in the ceremony. Elementary students recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the school select choir sang the National Anthem and junior Gwendolyn Davis, delivered remarks.
“Having the Naturalization Ceremony in the district allowed students, the majority of which were born to parents who are already American citizens and never experienced the hardships of not having the rights and freedoms of America, to better understand the importance of fighting for democracy and American ideals,” Davis said.
She added, “By witnessing this milestone in the lives of new American citizens, we students gain an even greater respect for those working to become Americans, as well as a better understanding of why our Constitution is so important.”
Another student, Dominic Tillou, provided support for the event as part of his work toward earning the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.
“I believe that the spirit of America welcomes all, and I think that this ceremony proved that,” said Tillou. “Seeing our new citizens proudly enter this new chapter fills me with excitement and pride.”
The Greenville American Legion Post 291 Color Guard presented the colors during the ceremony. Their attendance at the event was especially meaningful, as someone close to their community took the oath.
After the ceremony, the new citizens enjoyed an assortment of cookies provided by the middle school baking club.
See additional photos below.
