Sacred Heart Schools hosted the Naturalization Proceedings of the United States District Court today, helping to welcome 78 new American citizens to our great country.
Planned by SHA senior Lena Fultz and presided over by The Honorable Benjamin Beaton, the welcomed candidates hailed from 28 different nationalities. SHA's Madrigals sang the Star Spangled Banner to begin the ceremony, and Sacred Heart Preschool students welcomed guests with beautiful signs.
Lena said her involvement with SHA's Y Club "increased my interest in civic engagement, and I thought it would be a powerful opportunity for the Sacred Heart community." She added, "I found the listing of the different countries represented very impactful because, to me, it displayed the pride and respect the new citizens held for their former countries as they transitioned to becoming US citizens."
Also in attendance was SHMS parent Dr. Ansel Tjin A Tam, joined by his wife Lara, who celebrated his own naturalization on the Ursuline Campus in 2017, as well as Sisters Jean Anne Zappa, OSU, and Rita Ann Wigginton, OSU, Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Mary Ashlock, and many representatives of Sacred Heart Schools. Dr. Tjin A Tam said, "I'm grateful to the Sacred Heart community for hosting this wonderful ceremony and giving students the opportunity to witness and be part of this incredible celebration of hope, identity, community, and the core of the American Dream."
