Two Saugerties Students Become U.S. Citizens

SAUGERTIES – What better way to celebrate Flag Day than with a story about two exceptional students from the Saugerties Central School District who recently took the Oath of Allegiance and became full-fledged citizens of the United States? On May 31, David and Caleb Hemsworth, siblings attending Saugerties Junior High and Saugerties High School respectively, along with their parents Adele and Norman, celebrated this significant milestone in their lives.

The Hemsworth family’s journey to US citizenship began in Africa, where Caleb was born in Botswana and David in South Africa. When Caleb was three, the family moved to the United States in pursuit of better work opportunities and a higher quality of life. Over the years, they lived in various locations, including Woodstock, Shokan, and Saugerties, before briefly relocating to Houston, Texas. It was in Houston where they acquired their green cards, which enabled them to live and work permanently in the United States.

Returning to Ulster County, the Hemsworths found a place to put down roots. “America is my home,” said David, reflecting on becoming a citizen. “I was only five months old when I first came here, so I don’t know anything else. But I’m grateful because America is a great country.” David also spoke about the stark contrast between the United States and Africa, where, he said, one may experience power outages lasting for hours, struggling economies, high unemployment, and a high cost of living.

While Caleb and David did not have to take the citizenship test themselves, their parents successfully navigated the challenging process. However, both brothers were required to take an oath of loyalty to the United States, solidifying their commitment to their newly gained citizenship. This sense of belonging is not lost on them, as Caleb and David encourage other immigrants to pursue U.S. citizenship, emphasizing the benefits it brings, such as easier travel, increased job opportunities, and the convenience of having a single form of identification.

Looking toward the future, when asked if they had any aspirations for political office now that they are citizens, Caleb and David responded that while it is not in their plans currently, they would consider such an endeavor in the future. Their focus now lies on continuing their education and making positive contributions to their community as proud citizens of the United States.

The Saugerties Central School District takes great pride in welcoming David and Caleb Hemsworth as not only fellow Sawyers but also as fellow citizens.