Twenty five new citizens sworn in at LMS
Lanier Middle School (LMS) hosted a Special Naturalization Ceremony in partnership with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Wednesday, September 25. Twenty five new citizens from 23 countries took the oath of allegiance in the LMS theater. Students from LMS studying civics were able to witness the ceremony, along with the candidates' families and friends.
Organized in part by LMS civics teacher Bill Byrne, the school worked closely with the USCIS to host the event. Members from the LMS chorus led by director Juliana Woodill welcomed the group with the National Anthem. The ceremony began with a video from former Secretary of State and immigrant Madeleine Albright and reading of the 23 represented countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt, Morocco, Canada and China. USCIS Washington District Director Sarah Taylor administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the 25 candidates. The director then asked one of the new citizens, Lance Corporal Devon Preston to lead the group and audience with the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Lanier was delighted to have the support of USCIS in sponsoring this event," said Byrne. "Witnessing an actual naturalization service seemed to be thought provoking experience for many of our students.”
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Congressman Gerry Connolly, Principal Dr. Scott Poole and Mr. Byrne welcomed the group to citizenship and praised their effort and hard work. The 45 minute ceremony concluded with a video from President Obama and a presentation of certificates to each of the candidates.
City of Fairfax School Board Member Dr. Mitch Sutterfield attended the event. "The proceedings were exhilarating," said Dr. Sutterfield. "Twenty five people from 23 countries pulled up stakes, left their communities, learned a tricky language and built new homes and careers in a land far away. We natives tend to be sour on the USA occasionally - we see and read every day 'the daily bummer', the chronicle of our shortcomings. Then we see these energetic, enthusiastic new Americans celebrating our country as they join it, and we leave the negative behind for a while."
