Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) attended a naturalization ceremony this week at the Hamburg Middle School where 52 new citizens from various countries were given their citizenship. Instrumental in having the ceremony at the middle school was Social Studies teacher Jason Steinagle, who wanted to promote citizenship and include his students. Mr. Steinagle was awarded a citation thanking him for illustrating the importance of being a citizen and giving his pupils the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

“I was humbled to see so many people passionate about becoming citizens of our great country,” DiPietro said. “Citizenship is central to how our democracy and our society function; and engaging our youth in the process is immensely important. Mr. Steinagle has done his students a great service by providing them this opportunity and I join them in thanking him for his dedication and passion.”