Austin, TX— Sidney Lanier High School will host a naturalization ceremony conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the help of Citizenship Counts. Lanier students recently have completed the Citizenship Counts program, an interactive, multi-disciplinary civics curriculum that provides an opportunity for young people to participate in the democratic process and gain a better understanding of the value and responsibilities of citizenship. The program's founder, Gerda Weissmann Klein, will speak about the value of American citizenship and the importance of giving back to the community. Klein, a naturalized citizen herself, is a Holocaust survivor as well as the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

Twenty-five immigrants from countries around the world will be sworn in as U.S. citizens at the ceremony. A musical performance will follow and students will host a reception to welcome the new citizens.

What: Citizenship Counts founder speaks at naturalization ceremony
When: Wednesday, March 21, 10 a.m.
Where: Lanier High School, Main Hall, 1201 Peyton Gin Road.