Naturalization ceremony welcomes 35 new U.S. citizens

Citizenship coordinator, Norma Gallegos, left, and keynote speaker, Jon Wyss hold a post-ceremony discussion.

Marcos Apolinas Flores, third from left, shows off his Certificate of Naturalization in the company of USCIS Field Director, Keith Brown, left, keynote speaker, Jon Wyss, citizenship class teacher, Marlen Guzman, USCIS Citizenship Coordinator, Norma Gallegos, and Brewster School District Superintendent, Eric Driessen.

Posted Thursday, June 15, 2017 11:29 am

Mike Maltais

BREWSTER – A group of 35 new United States citizens were invited to join history’s greatest experiment in human democracy at a naturalization ceremony held in the Brewster High School gym last Tuesday, June 6.
In May of last year, BHS hosted a similar celebration for 43 new U.S. citizens.
Norma Gallegos, of Hand in Hand Immigration Services opened the proceedings. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Brewster School District Superintendent, Eric Driessen, and Keith M. Brown, Field Office Director for the Yakima field office of the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services (USCIS).
The American Legion Columbia Post 97, under the direction of Area Three Commander, Denny Pittman, performed the posting of colors, and former Brewster High School graduate, Sonia Saravia, sang the national anthem.
USCIS Information Officer, Annabel Burch conducted the presentation of citizenship candidates and Brown delivered the oath of allegiance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was administered by Brewster High School junior, Sandra Esquivel.
Jon Wyss, community leader and government affairs director for Gebbers Farms, delivered the keynote address.
Finally, Brown presented the certificates of citizenship. After closing remarks, special recognitions and the retirement of the colors, the ceremony concluded and attendees enjoyed a congratulatory meal, complete with cake frosted with a motif of the Stars and Stripes.