High School sophomore Lilly Frazzitta was approached without warning in the middle of her biology class to sing the National Anthem during a naturalization ceremony being hosted in her school’s gymnasium.

“Without hesitation, Frazzitta graciously agreed to fill in and gave an incredibly captivating performance,” the school said in a social media post. Video of the performance can be found on the social media page.

Frazzitta sang a beautiful a cappella rendition of the anthem in front of Judges, community members, her classmates and 60 new American citizens and their families. She received applause after she finished and provided the perfect introduction to the ceremony.

Grove City High School hosted its first naturalization ceremony on May 29, 2025. It was sponsored by the school’s student government class.

During the event, the new citizens and their families waved American flags and took time to take pictures with honored guests afterward. They were even given medals to wear around their necks signifying them as new U.S. citizens.

The ceremony was the last step of a journey that takes years to complete to become an American citizen. The candidates were lawful residents of the United States who passed required background checks, proven their good moral character, and passed English reading, writing and speaking tests. They also passed a U.S. history and civics exam.

United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Preston Deavers presided over the ceremony at the high school. United States Bankruptcy Judge John E. Hoffman, Jr. also presided over the ceremony.

Guest speakers during the event were Hung Doan, the threat operations manager at American Honda Motor, who shared his story of becoming a citizen by way of the Vietnam war; Nicholas Tran, a Grove City High School Sophomore who shared his father’s and his citizenship story; and Major General John C. Harris, Jr., the Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard, who gave his last speech before retiring with over 41 years of service.

Naturalization ceremonies often take place in a federal courtroom, but The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio hosts several naturalizations at community locations across southern Ohio to showcase an important role of the Judiciary and connect with the community it serves.

Photos courtesy of Grove City High School and Heather Claypool