RancheView School helped welcome 50 new citizens to Canada on June 13.
Spirits were high as the school's band played and hundreds of students cheered and waved mini flags while they waited for the ceremony to begin. It was the second citizenship ceremony the school as hosted in as many years.
"We take for granted the fact that we are Canadians ... it makes them appreciate Canada, Alberta, Cochrane that much more," said principal Sharon Cronin, on why the school uses the ceremonies as an opportunity to learn about Canada and nationalism. She added credit goes to teacher Bill Belsey who goes through the enormous task of organizing the ceremony, which involves a lot of paperwork.
Students are also involved in the organizing and participate in the event as part of their Social Studies curriculum. Teacher volunteers also contributed refreshments.
"It's really hyped up the energy in the building," she said. "It's completely a community effort, everyone working together."
Tessa Sidebottom, a Grade 5 leader at RancheView, was one student who had a special role in the proceedings as she joined dignitaries – Mayor Jeff Genung an Dean Konschuk on behalf of MP Blake Richards – to welcome the citizens, who hailed 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 gathered crowd.
She went on the espouse the virtues of Canada as a country and laud it as the best and friendliest nation in the world. Sidebottom also paid special tribute to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
"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 after listing the many rights afforded to Canadians through the Charter. "No matter your religion, race, skin colour or beliefs, everyone is welcome in Canada."
Sidebottom concluded her statements by welcoming the citizens who were eagerly awaiting to take the oath of citizenship and receive their official documents.
"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 and welcomed the new citizens to Canada.
"I'm very glad you have chosen to become citizens of this wonderful country," she said as she encouraged the new Canadians to participate in Canada's democracy and share in the nation's values of mutual respect, equality and fairness. "Together, we are all responsible for the future of Canada .. each of you has a great deal to contribute and build Canada to be a better place."
"Citizenship has many facets but one of the most important is the longstanding value that Canada has in welcoming new Canadians."
Genung followed Pfeiffer to commend RancheView School's efforts in hosting the ceremony and to also offer welcome and congratulations on behalf of the Town of Cochrane.
"RancheView School, you've done Cochrane proud today," he said.
Genung told the new Canadians that becoming a new citizen is like joining a new family.
"As part of a family, you are surrounded by people who love and support you and have a common future," he said.
Following the ceremony the newly anointed citizens took the time to mingle with students and have pictures taken, each beaming with pride.
Somayex Nikbakhsh, from Iran, was with her family as they took the oath of citizenship together. The family has resided in Canada for 4.5 years and were happy to be finally taking the oath.
"I'm very proud because I am standing where I wanted to stand five years ago," she said adding they are happy to be in Canada. "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."
