On Feb. 12, Mineola High School hosted the first naturalization ceremony held in a public school on Long Island in over twenty years, with fifty new citizens from twenty-three countries taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

The new citizens were welcomed with a performance of the National Anthem by the Mineola High School A Capella Choir and an opening address by Deputy Superintendent of Mineola Public Schools Catherine Fishman before being administered the Oath of Allegiance by Judge Alan S. Trust.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a Mineola High School orchestra performance of America the Beautiful, Judge Joseph F. Bianco gave the keynote address, highlighting his family’s experience as immigrants from Italy and the incredible opportunities that America provides to its citizens. “By virtue of that oath that you just raised your hand and swore to, this country is now as much your country as it is my country,” said Judge Bianco. “As of this day, your citizenship stands equal to that of every single other American. This country embraces you and bestows upon you all the freedoms and the protections and the guarantees of the United States Constitution and the laws of the United States of America.”

The naturalization ceremony was livestreamed in real time across the Mineola School District so that students and teachers district-wide can watch the naturalization ceremony taking place at Mineola High School.

Mineola Public Schools was proud to host this moving and inspirational ceremony and to witness the emotion and excitement of these deserving individuals as they took the oath and became citizens.

Date Added: 2/18/2025