Naturalization Ceremony Held Today

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Alexander Pirnie Federal Building in Utica was abuzz with voices from many languages, but today they all joined to say "hello."

47 adult candidates from 13 countries, including Columbia, Jamaica and Vietnam, were officially recognized as American citizens.

The ceremony featured speeches by newspaper editor, Kris Worrell, and Rebecca Love Htoodi, a college student and candidate.

Htoodi attends MVCC as a criminal justice major and says anyone can achieve the American dream- it just takes time.

"Study, work hard and you'll get there," Htoodi said.

Today's naturalization ceremony is one of five held at the Federal Building each year.