The New American Welcome Center (NAWC) and the North Kansas City YMCA are so happy to say congratulations to 174 new American citizens from over 55 different countries. These students took the oath of allegiance at the North Kansas City YMCA on January 15, 2020, and successfully completed their journey to citizenship!
It was an honor to be a part of this amazing day. Two members of the North Kansas City YMCA were a part of this ceremony and received their citizenship in front of their friends and family. Our community is truly stronger and more vibrant for all of the incredible people from all over the world who choose this country, and our county, to call home.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana Counts presided over the ceremony and delivered welcoming remarks. Chief Deputy of Administration Randall Henderson administered the Oath of Allegiance. Speakers included Tina Weaver, executive director of the North Kansas City YMCA, and April Osegueda, community outreach director who oversees the New American Welcome Center at the YMCA. Ondrea Lapadino, a North Kansas City YMCA Welcome Center associate, sang the Star Spangled Banner.
The candidates originate from 55 countries: Albania, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Canada, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Cuba, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Jordon, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Sudan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Following the ceremony 80 of the new U.S. citizens registered to vote at a voter registration event at the YMCA.
About The Author
April Osegueda serves as Community Outreach Coordinator for the North Kansas City YMCA. The YMCA of Greater Kansas City has been an IRC organizational member since April 2018.