Kent Gardens Teacher Becomes U.S. Citizen at Ceremony Held at His School

The teachers and kids at Kent Gardens Elementary school saw a unique ceremony yesterday. Kent Gardens parent Kathryn Palombi shared this story about their special day with the neighbors:

On Wednesday, May 30 at 9am, faculty and approximately 950 students at Kent Gardens Elementary School in McLean, VA got a real-life civics lesson as they witness their beloved sixth-grade teacher Richard M. Gordon receive his U.S. Citizenship.

He was among 20 individuals representing 18 different countries  (granted citizenship by ) the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In a groundbreaking ceremony that took place at the school and blanketed in red, white and blue, he will celebrate among those that encouraged him the most, his students. Both past and present, they will be witness to this historical event for their much-beloved teacher.

Mr. Gordon led America’s newest citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sarah Taylor, USCIS Washington District Director  administered the Oath of Allegiance. Kent Gardens Principal Robyn Hooker addressed the new citizens. Also speaking, Kimberly Zanotti, USCIS Washington Field Office Director, Ramona Gavin, Kent Gardens Elementary, Vice Principal, Richard Sargent, PTA President. Children wore wearing red, white and blue. Cub Scout Pack 1127 presented the  Colors.

The new citizens came from 18 countries: Algeria, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Senegal, Somalia, Togo, Turkey and Turkmenistan.

Mr. Gordon, a native of Adelaide, Australia, is a resident of Arlington, VA and has lived there since his arrival in the states in 1993. Originally posted to the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC from 1993-1996 and a lawyer by training, he switched careers after getting his masters at Marymount University in Arlington, to become a teacher. He has been at Kent Gardens Elementary for 11 years. In 2011 he informed his students of his quest for citizenship and they have been an instrumental part in helping him study and prepare. He says that his desire for citizenship was “ignited by the love of teaching of American history to my students and the patriotic pride that Americans have in their country. Now instead of saying ‘your’ country in our classroom discussions I can proudly say ‘our’ country. I will be a dual citizen, American/Australian.”

The citizenship ceremony took place outside on school grounds. Kent Gardens is a multi-cultural school, well-known for it’s award-winning French Immersion program.