Historic New Richmond Naturalization Ceremony Welcomes 77 New Citizens

May 14, 2009
Office of Public Information

Batavia, OH - "I am very proud to become an American citizen," said Udita Divekar, as she and her husband Krish, originally from India, prepared to take part in a naturalization ceremony at New Richmond High School on Thursday, May 14, 2009. The pair were among 77 people from over 30 countries taking part in the ceremony; it was the first ever naturalization ceremony to be held at a Clermont County school.

Gazing around the gym filled with students, family , and friends of those taking part in the ceremony, Clermont Boys and Girls Club Director Nancy Ball said, "It is thrilling for these young people to have the opportunity to see the process of what citizenship really means." Ball worked with the school, Duke Energy, and U.S. District Court to have the naturalization ceremony occur in New Richmond.

Presiding over the ceremony, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Timothy Hogan congratulated the new citizens for their hard work that led them to this day. "Don't take citizenship for granted," he implored. He also stressed the importance of communication. "It is a two way street. Our ability to negotiate and communicate globally is what will help us better understand each other and negotiate our differences." Joaquin Crespo and Monica Pisati have lived in the United States for the past 10 years, before becoming citizens today. "My family in Venezuela is very proud of me," said Pisati.

Looking across the sea of smiles among the new citizens after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, State Representative Joe Uecker (R-66) congratulated them for all the studying and test taking it took to learn about our government. "It is great to see these new patriots with their new found passion for America," he said.

Pictured above: New American citizens, Krish and Udita Divekar, originally from India.


For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.