Published: 3/21/2013

Cardinal Stritch H.S. hosts naturalization ceremony

Twenty-nine people became U.S. citizens by way of a naturalization ceremony at Cardinal Stritch High School Thursday, March 21, 2013. Present at the ceremony were Rev. Eric Schild, president of the school, U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp, and speaker Mariana Steffan of Russia who became an American through the ceremony. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Rev. Eric Schild, president of Cardinal Stritch High School, speaks during Thursday's naturalization ceremony. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp addresses 29 people who are to become new U.S. citizens. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

St. Kateri Catholic Academy sixth graders Katie Steck, 12, left, and Mason Huntermark, 12, put up flags they made at the start of the ceremony. The children made flags of the countries the new citizens had left. The flag at left is that of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the one at right that of India.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo St. Kateri Catholic Academy sixth graders Katie Steck, 12, left, and Mason Huntermark, 12, put up flags they made at ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Mariana Steffan, the elementary and middle school music teacher and a Russian emigre, talks about her journey. She became a U.S. citizen during the ceremony.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mariana Steffan, the elementary and middle school music teacher and a Russian emigre, talks about her journey. She became a ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Jeremiah Duvall, center holding flag up, and other second graders welcome the new citizens during the naturalization ceremony.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Jeremiah Duvall, center holding flag up, and other second graders welcome the new citizens during the naturalization ceremony.... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp, reads the Oath of Citizenship, and citizen Mariana Steffan, originally from Russia, takes the oath with the other soon-to-be-citizens.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp, reads the Oath of Citizenship, and citizen Mariana Steffan, originally from Russia,... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp, reads the Oath of Citizenship, and new U.S. citizen Mariana Steffan, originally from Russia, takes the oath with the other soon-to-be-citizens.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp, reads the Oath of Citizenship, and new U.S. citizen Mariana Steffan,... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Melanie Tran, a third grader at St. Kateri Catholic Academy, leads attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Sofia Ollervides, 3, of Caledonia, during the ceremony in which her father Francisco Jose Ollervides, became an American citizen.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sofia Ollervides, 3, of Caledonia, during the ceremony in which her father Francisco Jose Ollervides, became an American citizen. ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Melanie Tran, a third grader at St. Kateri Catholic Academy, leads attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. U.S. District Court Judge James Knepp, left, and new citizen Mariana Steffan, right, hold their hands over their hearts.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Melanie Tran, a third grader at St. Kateri Catholic Academy, leads attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. U.S. District ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Cardinal Stritch High School Chorale, under the direction of Tyler Lentz, left, performs the 'Star-Spangled Banner.' THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Mariana Steffan, originally of Russia, is welcomed as a U.S. citizen by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp, right. Behind Knepp, and center, is James McGuire, an officer from the USCIS.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mariana Steffan, originally of Russia, is welcomed as a U.S. citizen by U.S. District Court Judge James R.... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

New U.S. citizen Mariana Steffan, originally of Russia and now an elementary and middle school music teacher at the school, is welcomed by Rev. Eric Schild, president of Cardinal Stritch High School.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo New U.S. citizen Mariana Steffan, originally of Russia and now an elementary and middle school music teacher at the ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mariana Steffan, originally of Russia, is welcomed as a U.S. citizen by Chris Burkhart, Fort Industry NSDAR Chapter. THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Sofia Ollervides, 3, left, celebrates with American flags as her father Francisco Jose Ollervides, of Caledonia, smiles after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sofia Ollervides, 3, left, celebrates with American flags as her father Francisco Jose Ollervides, of Caledonia, smiles after becoming a ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Mariana Steffan,left, and her daughter Anna Cook, 29, of Akron, both originally of Russia, are all smiles after the naturalization ceremony.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mariana Steffan,left, and her daughter Anna Cook, 29, of Akron, both originally of Russia, are all smiles after the ... THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER

Cardinal Stritch H.S. hosts naturalization ceremony

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