Thanks to those who celebrate citizenship

Becoming a new American citizen is a high point in the lives of many people each year, yet it is often an event that goes unrecognized by the community in which they live. That's not the case in Elgin where 31 people were recognized at the June 25 city council meeting, a ceremony that was a combined effort between the Elgin City Council and Elgin's New Citizenship Recognition Committee. This was the ninth such ceremony.

As members of the community group that planned this event, we would like to thank Elgin Mayor Ed Schock and the city council for their continued support. To be able to shake the hand of these elected officials and receive a personalized city certificate honoring their citizenship is a special moment for these new citizens. This program is further enhanced by participation from Sen. Michael Noland and Rep. Ruth Munson and their hosting of a reception afterward.

Also, the participation of Elgin Community College and Centro de Informacion and the Elgin Choral Union, which performed under the direction of Jon Warfel. Thanks go to City Clerk Diane Robertson, the League of Woman Voters, Steve Loredo, Brian Bourdeau, Evelia Figueroa, Rosa Sanborn, Jesus Gonzalez, Carmen Hollender and Alexa and Joey Mihalec for their assistance.

In addition to oral and written tests on English proficiency an oral exam of U.S. history and government in English applicants face a fee of nearly $700 that can be daunting to anyone.

Those who have persevered though this process deserve special praise and recognition.

Elgin New Citizenship

Recognition Committee

Andrea Fiebig

Jaime Garcia

Halina Kopec

Jeanette Mihalec

Richard Reed

Jerry Turnquist