The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio presided over a naturalization ceremony March 18 at Lakota East High School in Butler County, Ohio.

There, 45 people from 27 countries became new American citizens. A school choir sang during the event and high school students filled the gymnasium to watch. 

United States Bankruptcy Chief Judge Beth A. Buchanan presided over the ceremony.

At the event, a high school senior who became a U.S. citizen last year spoke about how meaningful the experience was for him and his family. The principal and the superintendent at the school congratulated the new citizens and said it was honor to host the event.