Students Participate in a Naturalization Ceremony

Submitted by david.thacker on

U.S. History students at Spanish Fork Junior High school participated in a  field trip Friday, February 20.  The honors class were special guests at the Naturalization Ceremony (new citizens are sworn in) presided over by United State District Judge Clark Waddoups at the new federal courthouse in Salt Lake City.  Students were inspired by the emotional testimonials given by many of the new citizens as they shared their stories of immigration and citizenship.  More than 20 countries were represented in the ceremony:  Bhutan, Southern Sudan, Western Samoa, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and many others.   Mylie Baum was “amazed that so many of the people had traveled so far to become American citizens.”In the Naturalization Ceremony, Katey Huntsman led the Pledge of Allegiance, Maddy Johnson led the national anthem, Jenna Muirbrook read an original patriotic poem, and Ethan Oyler gave an inspirational speech he wrote from the heart.  After the ceremony the students were invited to visit Judge Waddoups chambers.  He allowed the students into his private offices and answered their questions and explained how he became a Federal Judge and that he would have the job for life.  Allison Wilson thought that “going into the Judge’s chambers was super cool and will never forget how cool he was with the students.”Afterwards, the students met the other 8th grade students who had visited the Pioneer Museum while they were at the ceremony at the Utah State Capitol Building for lunch and a tour.

Attributions
by Laura Carter