46 people from 32 countries become US citizens at Green Cove Springs Junior High

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — This not only marked an important rite of passage, but it taught Clay County students the importance of civic engagement.

“You will support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America,” said Judge Marcia Morales Howard to the crowd of 46 people from 32 countries who took their oath of citizenship at Green Cove Springs Junior High on Friday morning.

“Congratulations, you are now the newest citizens of the United States of America!” she announced at the end, words which were greeted with a round of applause from everyone in attendance.

This naturalization ceremony was made possible thanks to a partnership between Clay County School District, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

For Alina Aydogdiyev, who was born in Turkmenistan, this moment has been 19 years in the making.

“It’s truly a journey. It took so long. All the struggles, everything, came in front of my eyes, but I finally did it! Really excited to be a citizen,” she said as she wiped away tears of joy.

“You cannot miss the pride and joy and hope and enthusiasm that burst across their faces when they’re told that they’re new American citizens,” Morales Howard described. “And I would like for everyone to see that,” she added.

“I’m so proud that our students got to see this,” echoed Clay County Schools Superintendent David Broskie.

50 student leaders assisted with the ceremony and 100 students currently enrolled in civics here witnessed this process unfold from the audience.

It taught these kids that “it really takes hard work and determination and true ‘want’ to be here,” Aydogdiyev pointed out.

13-year-old Mills Weinstein kicked off the ceremony and says he now understands the importance of civic involvement.

“A lot of us take citizenship for granted but for [these naturalized citizens] it’s such a big deal, so it’s such an honor to be a part of this,” he said.

“It takes proud Americans to continue to run this country and devote your time and energy to making this place great,” Aydogdiyev emphasized.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.