Teacher to become British citizen at special ceremony

A teacher at Crowmoor Primary School in Shrewsbury will become a British citizen this week (Friday 16 November) when a special ceremony is held at the school.

Gina Jones, who is from Florida in the USA, has lived in Shrewsbury since 1987 and has been a teacher at the school since 1988.

In what will be a first for Shropshire, Gina will take the oath and make a pledge of allegiance at school, in front of pupils, before being presented with her nationality certificate by Michael Mander, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire.

The ceremony has been specially arranged to complement the children’s lessons about citizenship.

Karen Burton, from Shropshire County Council, explains: “Every month the registration service holds a formal citizenship ceremony at Shirehall for local people who have met the criteria to become British citizens. Each ceremony sees Citizenship granted to an average of 10 people in front of their family and friends.

“However, in what is a real one-off we have arranged to hold this special ceremony at Crowmoor School to provide the children with a real insight into what it means to become a British citizen. I hope it is a special day for Gina and for the children.”

Gina Jones, said: “I love living in Shropshire and becoming a British citizen means I can live here for the rest of my life.”

The ceremony will begin with Gina telling the children what it means to her to become a British Citizen. Following a short speech by Brian Gillow, Chairman of Shropshire County Council, she will take the oath and pledge.

Michael Mander will then present the nationality certificate, before making a short speech and performing some magic tricks for the children.

The national anthem will then be sung to bring the ceremony to a close.

12 November 2007