Immigrants from 21 countries took the oath of allegiance on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Punahou School’s Dillingham Hall, with 68 men and women officially becoming U.S. citizens.
Chief Judge Derrick Watson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai‘i presided over the event. Watson, a Punahou parent and Kamehameha Schools graduate, welcomed the group and oversaw the formal recognition of citizenship. The keynote address was delivered by Punahou faculty member Yunus Peer, who teaches History and World Civilizations and is himself a naturalized citizen.
The ceremony featured performances by the Punahou Chorale, led by director Mike Lippert, and the Pacific Fleet Brass Band. Two fifth-grade classes recited the Pledge of Allegiance on stage, while Junior School and Academy students watched from the hall’s balcony. One by one, each new citizen was called forward to receive a certificate of naturalization from Judge Watson and Peer. The program concluded with the Chorale’s rendition of Hawai‘i Pono‘ī.
Naturalization is the final step in the immigration process for lawful permanent residents who choose to become American citizens. It grants the right to vote, eligibility for a U.S. passport, and the full protection of the Constitution, along with responsibilities such as jury service and civic participation. Across the country, ceremonies like this are held in federal courthouses and community spaces to mark the moment when immigrants officially become part of the American nation.
Punahou has a history of hosting naturalization ceremonies, with the most recent held in 2023. This year’s event was coordinated by the Davis Democracy Initiative with support from the School’s JROTC program.
Following the formal proceedings, Judge Watson met with more than 20 Academy students, faculty and staff for a lunchtime discussion in Old School Hall. He answered questions on immigration, politics and civic responsibility, encouraging students to embrace diversity as a strength and to pursue their own passions rather than conform to expectations imposed by others.