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More than 1,500 immigrants living in Utah became U.S. citizens today. One of the new citizens, Vilma Valle, is a Logan Elementary school custodian, and she's thanking fifth graders for helping her American dream come true.
"When I see all the children, oh, I am very happy. I am very excited," Valle said.
Fifth grader Michael Harris said, "It's really exciting. She's been waiting for 20 years."
Valle came to America for a better life. For two years, students at Edith Bowen Laboratory School in Logan worked to help Vilma get her citizenship.
Fifth grader Jennifer Ban said, "We helped her pay for her test."
They even helped her study for it, sometimes taking over her chores at school so she could study. The students didn't get to go inside to see Valle or anyone else take the Oath of Citizenship, but they were outside cheering everyone on.
It's a moment the fifth graders won't soon forget. Fifth grader Daisy Karren said, "It's a really important moment for her, and I'm glad we got to be here." And it's a day Valle will always remember.
More than 90 countries were represented in today's ceremony. It was the largest Naturalization Ceremony ever in the state.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
