Patcharaporn Chonsaranonda entered the classroom at 6:30 a.m. with a bag, a smile and a new name.

Led by FALS teacher Michell Lutes, a surprise party was thrown for the newly named Pat Chon in honor of her attaining her citizenship.

“It’s a long process becoming a citizen,” Mrs. Chon said. “I had to learn from scratch the language, culture and the American way.”

Originally from Thailand, Pat Chon came to America in December of 1996 after her husband moved from Bancock to St. Louis for business. She received her green card in 2003 and applied for citizenship in 2005.

“I was here as a minority. At first I felt like an alien,” Pat Chon said. “But God showed me his love through the American people and some of them have become my very best friends.”

According to FALS teacher Mrs. Lutes, during the process of obtaining her citizenship Mrs. Chon asked many questions pertaining to the U.S. government that even she didn’t know.

“I think they [those obtaining citizenship] are more informed than citizens of the country,” Mrs. Lutes said.

Upon entering the classroom and seeing the decorations made for her, Mrs. Chon could not restrain herself from barraging Mrs. Lutes with “thank you’s” and a hug.

“She is probably the most gracious person I know,” Mrs. Lutes said. “I am very happy for her.”

Despite receiving a new name and her citizenship, according to Mrs. Chon she appreciated most the support from the administration.

  “I am a member of the family here at Legacy,” Mrs. Chon said. “I never felt as a foreigner here at all.”