Central Catholic Hosts Naturalization Ceremony
On March 13, Central Catholic hosted a naturalization ceremony in Krompak Hall for 41 new citizens from 18 different countries. Judge Jack Zouhary presided over the ceremony, formally administering the Oath of Allegiance to candidates, making them U.S. citizens. Honored guests included Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, representatives from the offices of Senator Bernie Moreno, Senator Jon Husted, Congressman Jim Jordan, Congressman Robert Latta, and Governor Mike DeWine, as well as the League of Women Voters.
Central Catholic students and faculty also took part in the ceremony, with the concert band playing the “Star Spangled Banner” and junior Reese Stricker singing it. Junior Maddie Robinson read the Opening of Court, and junior Thomas DeBruyne read “The New Colossus,” the sonnet by American poet Emma Lazarus that appears on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Spanish teacher Angelina Mendieta (Class of 2019) spoke about her heritage and her experience studying in Barcelona, Spain.
Several of the new citizens stood up to speak about the reasons they wanted to become American citizens. After they took the Oath of Citizenship, junior Maddie Stricker led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, an ensemble from the CCHS Glee Club sang “America the Beautiful,” and junior Cahmya Simmons read the Closing of Court.
“It was a beautiful ceremony, and it was amazing to hear why they wanted to become U.S. citizens,” said Cahmya. “It was so special to see the support of their family members who came with them, and it was emotional to witness this because they worked for it for so long. It really brought to life the things we learn in class and made it real.”
“It was a blessing to be a part of this event,” said Thomas. “My great-great-grandfather was from Lebanon, so I’ve always thought it was important to be welcoming of immigrants. It’s important that we welcome everyone as Jesus Christ did. America is truly a melting pot, and I take inspiration from this beautiful combination of people. We are all human and we are all important.”
Central Catholic was contacted by the courts to host the ceremony. The courts often hold naturalization ceremonies in schools because it allows students to witness the process of becoming a United States citizen firsthand. Central Catholic was honored to host the ceremony and excited to provide our students with the opportunity to observe such a meaningful civic event.
“I was really excited when we were approached by the courts because this was an incredible opportunity for our students to witness democracy in action,” said Central Catholic’s Assistant Principal and Dean of Academics, Andrea Biederman. “We hope our students gained a deeper appreciation for the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Seeing individuals from around the world take the Oath of Citizenship reminds our students that the freedoms they experience every day are deeply valued and worth protecting. It’s a powerful way for students to connect what they learn in history and government classes to a real and meaningful moment in people’s lives.”
Judge Zouhary also spoke with approximately 60 students from Central Catholic's AP US History and AP Government classes after the ceremony in the school library. The conversation focused on the role of the courts, the meaning of citizenship, and the naturalization process. This was an opportunity for students to ask questions and connect their classroom learning to the real workings of the American legal system.
