On January 8, a Broome County Judge presiding over the naturalization ceremony presented Mark Moutarde with his Certification of United States Citizenship. Inez Moutarde, Zahra Moutarde, Alex Moutarde, Tala Moutarde, Mark Moutarde and an Immigration Department employee were in attendance. Moutarde was one of 40 people that naturalized and became a citizen that day. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — On January 8, in the Broome County Courthouse in Binghamton, Norwich City School District (NCSD) high school technology teacher Mark Moutarde achieved the privilege of becoming a United States Citizen.

“I was one of 40 people that naturalized and became a citizen that day,” Moutarde said. “My wife and our three children were with me, and to my complete surprise, the Norwich City School District Superintendent Scott Ryan was there, along with the Assistant Superintendent Jessica Poyer, the High School Principal Jacob Rowe and a good friend of mine, retired police officer Brandon Clark.”

“I thought they were there for a court case, but they were there for my ceremony,” he said. “It was amazing.”

NCSD Superintendent Scott Ryan said, "Gaining U.S. citizenship is a remarkable achievement, and we are filled with pride as we congratulate Mark on this milestone."

"His journey is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination it takes to achieve this dream," said Ryan. "We are so fortunate to have him, and his wife in our workplace family."

"The American dream shines a little brighter for me having now witnessed the ceremonious event held for Mark and several others," Ryan added.

Moutarde said the experience was incredible and much better than he anticipated in the sense of it being more moving and more solemn, in a good way.