Brentwood High school to host Naturalization Ceremony on April 20th.
In November 2009, Brentwood High School hosted a Naturalization Ceremony in which 50 immigrants
to America became US citizens. It was one of the most moving and impressive ceremonies in recent school history. And now…it’s back for a second round.
Ed Wright, BHS social studies teacher and sponsor of the Diversity Club, announced recently that the school would again be hosting a Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, April 20. at 11 a.m. in the high school auditorium. “We’re very excited about this and our club members are looking forward to interacting with the new citizens.” Wright
said. “Last time, our students served as chaperones for the new citizens and their families and it was a wonderful experience.”
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Jeanne Pattrin of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri has been working with Wright and BHS administrators, Principal Don Rugraff and Assistant Principal Ed Johnson on the details for the upcoming ceremony. The US Marshall’s office will also be coordinating the event with the Brentwood Police department. Included
will be a local color guard and the BHS choir and band performing patriotic musical numbers. The BHS foreign language department will again be helping with flag displays and information about the various countries from where the immigrants came. A judge for the US District Court will preside over the ceremony and administer the oath of citizenship.
Diversity Club President Nora Durham excitedly recalled that “we were all so moved by the emotions and joy shown by the new citizens. It will be a great ending to our annual
mix-it-up week which this year is focusing on international diversity.” STUCO will also be having their annual spring barbecue on the football field after the celebration. STUCO sponsor, Kelly Javier, was all smiles and guaranteed “perfect BBQ weather” for the occasion.
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The auditorium audience will include BHS and Brentwood Middle School students plus the families and invited guests of the new citizens. Members of the public are invited but
should be aware of space limitations. Any questions can be directed to Ed Wright or Don Rugraff at Brentwood High School.