Cheviot Elementary Students Welcome New Citizens
On Friday, April 21, 2023, the Cheviot School hosted its first ever Naturalization Ceremony, recognizing 61 community members from 30 countries as citizens of the United States.
The event was led by the Honorable Karen L. Litkovitz, United States District Court Judge, who spoke to the audience and welcomed them to the United States. In addition, Cheviot students welcomed the guests in their native languages, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and performed patriotic musical numbers, such as “This Land Is Your Land.”
As they were leaving, each new citizen received a piece of artwork from the students.
ABC’s Resource Coordinator at Cheviot, Mr. Onyango Collier, was largely responsible for planning the logistics for the event, making sure that it went off without a hitch. ABC was proud to provide sponsorship for the food and beverages provided to guests at the event.
Principal Solomon-Gray, Assistant Principal Kevin Williams, and additional school leadership were incredibly vital to the creation and planning of this amazing event. Gifted Academy Teacher, Crystal McFarland, served as the contact for the Judge Litkovitz, coordinating her appearance at the event.
“This Naturalization Ceremony today speaks to the diversity we welcome and celebrate daily at Cheviot School,” says Assistant Principal Williams. “We educate more than 10 different ethnic and cultural backgrounds which directly reflects the make-up of our new citizens. We are extremely proud and humbled to have hosted this terrific ceremony.”
