Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Academy head hails citizenship ceremony
‘Wonderful seeing new citizens with their certificates’
Airdrie Academy pupils were “extremely thrilled” to sit in on a special citizenship ceremony.
Nineteen second- year youngsters from the school’s social subjects department were invited along to Bellshill registry office to witness five emotional guests granted UK citizenship.
The enthralled pupils were given invaluable insight into the citizenship process, and a further 12 secondary schools from across Lanarkshire are set to follow in Airdrie Academy’s footsteps later this year.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant John McKenzie, who helped set up the Airdrie students’ visit, told the Advertiser: “The Airdrie Academy pupils really embraced the occasion and their involvement was a huge success.
“We have invited 12 other secondary schools along to citizenship ceremonies throughout this year and they have accepted the invitation.
“The ethos we’re trying to establish is to let these pupils know what is involved in becoming a British citizen, and how many people all over the world are seeking to be British citizens.
“This is a hugely worthwhile initiative and allows pupils the opportunity to interact with officials and the people who have secured British citizenship.”
Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sheriff Robert Dickson and North Lanarkshire Provost Jean Jones were among the other dignitaries involved in the citizenship ceremony and were delighted to present the five successful applicants with their certificates.
Airdrie Academy head teacher Martin Anderson said: “We have been in close partnership with John McKenzie and he was keen to forge a link with the school and have our youngsters present at the citizenship ceremony.
“They got to see all of the rights and expectations associated with being a British citizen, a lot of things that we all take for granted.
“It was wonderful seeing Sheriff Dickson and Provost Jones present the new citizens with their certificates.
“We were made to feel very welcome and everyone was fully engaged with the entire process.
“This was the culmination of many years for these people trying to gain citizenship and it was an honour to be able to celebrate with them.
“The school is very grateful to John for involving us in the process and I would thoroughly recommend taking part to other schools across Lanarkshire.
“Our pupils really enjoyed themselves and got a lot out of the experience.”
Lanarkshire’s new Lord Lieutenant, Lady Susan Haughey, highlighted the importance of getting local schoolchildren involved in the citizenship ceremonies.
She said: “We have had four schools take part thus far and the feedback has been excellent.
“John and his team felt we could offer this opportunity to get pupils who are working on citizenship within their school curriculums involved.
“We came to an agreement with the council for the schools to come along so they can understand more about becoming a citizen in Lanarkshire.
“Some of the people have been waiting for years to gain citizenship and many will share their stories with the pupils.
“These ceremonies are very rewarding experiences and we are there to welcome these new citizens to Lanarkshire, where they have chosen to stay.”