Severn 4th Graders Welcome New US Citizens at the District Court of Maryland in Baltimore
As part of a culminating activity for their unit on immigration and personal heritage, Severn 4th graders attended and participated in a recent naturalization ceremony for over 40 new United States citizens. The road to becoming a US citizen can be a long and emotional process and our students treated the event with reverence and respect. Many were moved to tears after our 4th graders welcomed these new citizens with words of encouragement and a chorus of "America the Beautiful."
4th grade teacher Ms. Karen Bennett explains how this event ties in to the larger unit on immigration,
"Part of this unit includes looking at immigration and citizenship through a variety of perspectives. Students learn that while the regions of the world that immigrants come from may have changed over time, the reasons they leave their countries have not. People from all over the globe continue to seek out the United States as a land of freedom and opportunity."
After opening comments from the Honorable Beth Gesner, a federal magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Severn parent and trustee, Victoria Scott '25, Ryleigh Bradley '25, and Timmy Wright '25 presented to the crowd, enthusiastic about welcoming the group as new citizens of the United States.
Timmy Wright '25 takes the podium to offer welcoming remarks to the group of citizenship candidates. Our 4th graders look on as the group of new citizens take their Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
After each candidate received their certificates, Lower School music teacher Ms. Mary Gaylord led our kids in a moving rendition of "America the Beautiful". The new US citizens and their families looked on with happy, tearful smiles. Watch the video below for a peek at their performance.
Finally, when the ceremony was complete, our 4th graders surprised the new citizens with a celebratory reception outside the courthouse. Severn parent volunteers brought refreshments for everyone to enjoy. Our 4th graders bravely circulated the crowd and greeted each family, asking about their journeys toward citizenship.
4th grade teacher Ms. Heather Mayers comments on the value of this face-to-face experience for our students,
"Because we are able to obtain the list of countries of origin prior to the ceremony, the students are able to research each country and then engage in meaningful conversation. What a joy it is to see the students understand the importance of real-world connections."
Emma Cahouet '25 and Summer Hilliard '25 are excited to hear about the journey toward citizenship. This is the 13th year that Severn students have attended these ceremonies. Organized by Ms. Mayers and Ms. Bennett along with Judge Gesner, the event is memorable for everyone involved.
Judge Gesner reflects on the significance of the day,
“While presiding over Naturalization Ceremonies is one the most special and meaningful parts of my job, the most joyous of all of the ceremonies are the ones attended by Severn School. This is one of the most significant life events experienced by new citizens. It is incredibly moving to be able to watch as the new citizens hear about their new rights and privileges from the student speakers, listen to the students sing patriotic songs, and interact individually at the reception following the ceremony. The students' energy is contagious and the new citizens are just as excited.”
Judge Gesner took the time to talk with all of our 4th graders about the ceremony and their work in school.
