On Thursday, December 7, Westbrook High School hosted a US Naturalization Ceremony at the WHS Auditorium. 41 people from over 30 countries recited the Oath of Allegiance and became United States citizens, including Senora Maria Epelde, one of our WHS Spanish teachers, who received thunderous applause from students in attendance. Student speakers Mohamed K. and Ranya A. welcomed everyone, sharing stories of their own experiences, expressing the welcoming community of the Westbrook Schools. As Ranya said, "It is a rich soil of diversity and togetherness unlike any other, a tapestry woven together with the threads of love and care." Other speakers included City Council member Anna A. Turcotte, Superintendent Dr. Peter Lancia, and Grace Mo-Phillips of the CEI Institute. The WHS Chorus performed two moving pieces, The National Anthem and America the Beautiful, and members of WHS Student Government volunteered in several capacities. High School students as well as fourth graders from Canal School attended the event along with guests and dignitaries, including Mayor Michael Foley, Assistant City Administrator and City Clerk Angela Holmes, and a representative from the office of Senator Susan Collins. It was a proud and moving celebration for our entire community. Thank you to the WHS Social Studies Department for organizing this event, which was the result of the department's recent professional learning project. As teacher and department leaderJared Ruthman noted: “Our schools reflect and serve our communities and this event is a perfect illustration of our high school reflecting and serving the community of Westbrook.”
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