Queensbury High School Celebrates Local Resident's Naturalization Ceremony

Marie Chin Hofilena Day, a native of the Philippines, became a U.S. citizen on March 27, 2024, in a ceremony at Queensbury High School. Day, who had a humble upbringing, had long aspired to move to America to improve her life and help others. After finishing her medical education in the Philippines, she waited six years for her Visa, finally arriving in America in 2017.

During the ceremony, Day took the oath of allegiance and gave a speech. She expressed her happiness and gratitude, saying, 'My American dream has come true.' She urged others to work hard and be resilient in pursuing their dreams. Her speech was well-received by the audience, including high school juniors and seniors.

Andrew Snide, the Principal of Queensbury High School, compared the naturalization process to the school's mission of lifelong learning and global contribution. Superintendent Kyle Gannon thanked the new citizens for sharing their experiences with the school community and looked forward to their future contributions.

The ceremony also included Shiv Patel, a senior at Queensbury High School, whose parents are from India. Patel led the Pledge of Allegiance and read 'The New Colossus,' a sonnet by Emma Lazarus inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. Patel referred to the sonnet as a symbol of America's values of inclusivity and freedom.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who conducted the official proceedings, reminded the new citizens of America's long history of equality and diversity. He pointed out that most Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, each with their own hopes and dreams.

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