On February 3, 2010, over ninety eighth-grade students from Spanish Fork Jr. High went on a field trip to a naturalization ceremony in Salt Lake City. They also toured the state capitol. At the naturalization ceremony, students from SFJHS participated in the program. Eighth-grader, Nathan Christensen, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and ninth-grader, Bethany Bramall, gave an outstanding speech on what it means to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. She encouraged everyone in attendance to live by the “Double Platinum Rule,” which tells us to, “Treat others better than they thought they could be treated.”
After a few remarks by Cindy Toone, from the Daughters of the American Revolution, the oath of citizenship was administered. 199 new citizens representing 61 countries took the oath that day. Some of the countries represented were Mexico, with 32 people, Peru, with 15, India, with 9, the Philippines, with 8, and the People’s Republic of China, with 6.
Afterwards, the presiding judge, Judge Sam, asked if there were any new citizens who would like to share their feelings. The oldest new citizen, an 80-year-old woman from Peru, thanked America for the great opportunity of becoming a citizen. The youngest new citizen, an 18-year-old gentleman from Lebanon, said much the same. Two of the most moving testimonials came from a woman from China, who ended hers with the statement, “Here is my home, now and forever,” and a gentleman from the Philippines, who said that the things that are right with America far outweigh the things that are wrong with it.
After the naturalization ceremony, the students boarded the buses and went to the capitol building for a tour. After a quick lunch break, the students got to see the capitol building, including the governor’s suite and the House of Representatives. They then loaded the buses and returned to school after a fun and educational day in our state’s capital.
Attributions
by: Westley Cook