RancheView School in Cochrane helped welcome 50 new citizens to Canada June 13 at a citizenship ceremony.
Spirits were high as the school’s band played and hundreds of students cheered and waved miniature Canadian flags while they waited for the ceremony to begin. It was the second citizenship ceremony the school has hosted in as many years.
“We take for granted the fact that we are Canadians.... [This ceremony] makes [students] appreciate Canada, Alberta, Cochrane that much more,” said Sharon Cronin, RancheView principal.
She added credit for the event goes to teacher Bill Belsey, who co-ordinated the ceremony.
Students were also involved in organizing and participating in the event as part of their social studies curriculum.
“It’s really hyped up the energy in the building,” Cronin said. “It’s completely a community effort, everyone working together.”
Tessa Sidebottom, a Grade 5 student leader, joined Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung and Dean Konschuk – on behalf of Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards – to welcome the citizens from 20 countries.
“It is quite remarkable that with over 200 countries in the world you chose Canada as your new home,” Sidebottom said to the crowd.
Her speech highlighted the virtues of Canada and declared it the best and friendliest nation in the world.
“As Canadians, we have the responsibility of respecting the rights and freedoms of others, obeying Canada’s laws, participating in a the democratic process and respecting two official languages and multi-cultural heritage,” Sidebottom said. “No matter your religion, race, skin colour or beliefs, everyone is welcome in Canada.”
Sidebottom concluded her statements by welcoming those awaiting to take the oath of citizenship and receive official documentation.
“I hope every new Canadian in this room, no matter how your life was before, has a better and happier life now,” she said.
Irene Pfeiffer, a member of the Order of Canada and citizenship judge, conducted the oath of citizenship.
“I’m very glad you have chosen to become citizens of this wonderful country,” she said. “Together, we are all responsible for the future of Canada... Each of you has a great deal to contribute [to] build Canada to be a better place.”
Genung commend RancheView School for hosting the ceremony and congratulated the new Canadians on behalf of the Town of Cochrane.
“As part of a family, you are surrounded by people who love and support you and have a common future,” he told the new citizens.
Somayex Nikbakhsh, from Iran, was with her family as they took the oath of citizenship together. The family has resided in Canada for more than four years and said they were happy to be taking the oath.
“I’m very proud because I am standing where I wanted to stand five years ago,” Nikbakhsh said. “We came here because it’s a free country and the people are known for being the kindest people in the world and, living here, I confirmed it’s not just something people say out of courtesy, it’s the truth.”
