DREAMS FULFILLED
More than 20 new citizens take oaths at Columbia High
EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. » With Columbia High School as a backdrop, 21 people became American citizens Friday when they took the Oath of Allegiance in front of federal Judge Christian F. Hummel and Columbia high school students.
Students watched the ceremony as audience members but also took part in various parts of the event.
Columbia’s Participation in Government Class attended the ceremony to learn about the U. S. citizenship process, and the high school’s Jazz Band played pre- ceremony and postlude music. The high school’s Chamber Singers also performed the “Star Spangled Banner.”
“I hope our students understand how important this ceremony is,” East Greenbush Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Simons said. “This is not just another assembly.”
Student council president and senior Lilly Hutton assisted in leading the audience and new citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance. Junior Laura Haney sang “God Bless America” before the Certificates of Naturalization were presented.
The new citizens originate from 13 different countries, including Afghanistan, Croatia, Ethiopia, India, Bolivia and Portugal. Elizabeth Suparmanto, a new citizen who was born in Bolivia, spoke of her journey to becoming a citizen.
“My story is the story of an immigrant, but also the story of an American citizen,” Suparmanto said.
Suparmanto came to the U.S. when she was 9 years old and lived in Rhode Island with her brother and two hard-working parents. She said wevery can help make the country a better place.
“The U. S. always has room for improvements,” said Suparmanto. “Each person has a role in making the U.S. a better place.”
Certificates of Naturalization were presented by Judge Hummel at the end of the ceremony. The new citizens were celebrated by their family members and the Columbia high school students.