School hosts naturalization ceremony

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Hamburg social studies class is learning first hand about the American dream. The Hamburg Middle School auditorium was full as 47 people became U.S. citizens. It’s the second time the school has hosted a naturalization ceremony.

Hamburg Middle School staff hopes students can have a greater appreciation for being an American citizen, by learning and seeing the process. Students were able to see firsthand how much it means to those who want to become an American.

The newest citizens came from 23 different countries. Adrian Roderiguez, who is originally from Cuba said, “I had the opportunity to come to this country and search for the dream and I wanted to be free and I just found it.”

Sonya Sing, who is originally from India said, “I’m really happy it’s my birthday today so it’s like a birthday present and becoming a U.S. citizen it’s a good day for me, it’s a good start.”

Seventh grader Liam McCormick said, “I really appreciate my citizenship, knowing that there are people in the world that want to come here to become a citizen, it just really makes me enjoy being a citizen here.”

Hamburg Middle School’s principal says they hope to host a naturalization ceremony again. They have done so for the past two years each fall.