Thank you to Ramona Gallagher, Denise O’Donnell, Lauren McGarry, Julia Wise, Mary Lou Enser, Maggie Maloney and Renee Masters for representing the League of Women Voters at ceremonies on February 20 at the Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration Site, March 5 at the Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse, and April 9 at Iroquois High School. Our League mentors welcomed some new volunteers who immediately pitched right in to help our new citizens register to vote. Keep your eye out for further opportunities.

Deborah Shiffner, Coordinator for Naturalization Ceremonies

An Impressive Naturalization Ceremony

Representing LWVBN at the April 9, 2025, naturalization ceremony at Iroquois High School were Renee Masters, Maggie Maloney and Mary Lou Enser. There were 57 new citizens from 25 different countries. Along with members from the Board of Elections, we were able to register all 57 people!

We joined with personnel from U.S. Customs and Immigration Service, as well as representatives from the Board of Elections, Daughters of the American Revolution, International Institute, Journey’s End, and the U.S. Passport Agency.

Mrs. Colleen McCoy and students in her AP Government class and the Key Club arranged for the ceremony. They did a wonderful job.

The ceremony took place in the auditorium. A table was provided for us complete with a large glittery sign made by the students reading ”League of Women Voters,” and a small sign for the table. The students created flags from the 25 countries and hung them around the stage. There also were red white and blue balloons, crepe paper, and flag pennants for decorations.

The ceremony had a color guard provided by the Boy Scouts. The Hon. Jeremiah McCarthy presided. Patrick O’Brian, assistant middle school principal, also attended.

The class had arranged for snacks and beverages afterward, including chips, brownies, cookies and donuts, plus water bottles arranged in the shape of a star! This was a joyful and moving ceremony and our League representatives were happy to assist our new citizens on their special day.

Mary Lou Enser