Fifty-one People Take Oath of Allegiance to the United States on Country Day's Campus

On April 27, Cincinnati Country Day School hosted a naturalization ceremony on our campus during which 51 - including two Country Day parents! - were sworn in as U.S. citizens.

"Here today, everyone wins," says U.S. District Court Judge Susan Dlott. "You can become whatever you want to be in this great country of opportunity. You have shown your commitment and eagerness to take on the responsibilities of being an American citizen. It's our high honor and privilege to welcome you." 

The Carey Family Amphitheater was designated as a United States courthouse for the day as we welcomed America's 51 newest citizens from 31 countries as they took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

“We are a four-nation family and to finally all be united as Americans is very special,” says Martin Hettich, Country Day parent, who, along with his wife Nina, became U.S. citizens that day. “And the fact that the ceremony happened here at this school where we’ve dedicated so much makes it incredibly significant to us.”

For the ceremony, Greg Miller, choir director, sang the National Anthem and members of the Class of 2029 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Students from all divisions sat in attendance. Head of School Rob Zimmerman `98 provided a welcome to all in attendance, with a special message to the new citizens.

“Today, you are as American as anyone else in this country…You have worked hard, sacrificed much, and committed yourselves to our American experiment in self-government. Congratulations to you all; we welcome you with open arms,” says Zimmerman. “This is also a momentous occasion for those of us who have been American citizens for much longer because today serves as an act of renewal, rebirth, and revival for us all…Your purposeful commitment today challenges all of us to be worthy of the country you have sacrificed so much to join.”

Also in attendance were representatives from the League of Women Voters, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Freestore Foodbank. Click here for photos from the ceremony.