Elgin program to recognize new U.S. citizens June 25

The city of Elgin’s 24th annual New Citizen Recognition Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.

This event, which is open to the public, will honor individuals from the Elgin area who have recently become new U.S. citizens.

The program will be held in the Heritage Ballroom at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, in downtown Elgin.

New citizens at this program will be congratulated on their achievement by Mayor Dave Kaptain, members of the Elgin City Council, and local state representatives and senators.

Judge Julio Cesar Valdez Espinosa will be the master of ceremonies.

The new citizens will also be presented with a certificate suitable for framing, a flag lapel pin, and a small American flag.

To help convey the significance of this accomplishment by the participants, a new citizen will speak personally about her journey to citizenship. Additionally, the Elgin Master Chorale will perform during the ceremony, and a reception with cake and string music will follow.

Eligible honorees will be people who live, work, or have taken citizenship classes in Elgin.

This program is planned by the City of Elgin New Citizen Recognition Ceremony Committee in cooperation with the city of Elgin.

Founded in 1999, the committee is made up of volunteers from the Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Community College, The Literacy Connection, Centro de Informacion, YWCA of Elgin, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, the Elgin History Museum, and the community at large. It made possible by sponsorships by the city of Elgin, Herbs Bakery, state Sen. Cristina Castro, state Sen. Don DeWitte, state Rep. Anna Moeller, and state Rep. Dan Ugaste.

Since its inception, the program has recognized new Elgin area citizens from more than two dozen countries. Honorees this year hail from several countries, including Guatemala, Laos, Mexico, and United Kingdom (Scotland). For information, contact coordinator Jeanette Mihalec at (847) 846-3247.