ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Tompkins County courthouse was packed on Thursday with people celebrating a life-changing moment for their loved ones. A naturalization ceremony in Ithaca recognized 30 of the newest American citizens.

It was an afternoon filled with joy, pride, and American flag-waving in the courtroom as citizens from 22 different countries were officially welcomed into the U.S.

"It is always meaningful to administer the oath of allegiance to newly naturalized citizens because it is an opportunity to recall the special and unique nature of the United States of America and the many contributions immigrants have made to its greatness," said Supreme Court Justice Mark G. Masler.

The courtroom was filled with family, friends, and loved ones as petitioners recited the Oath of Allegiance, completing a long and hard journey, some say spanning many years.

"I'm super excited," said Gabriella Ampemdarko, one of the newest American citizens. "It's been a long time coming, and the process was a little bit longer for me because of COVID and the backlog, so it took about a year, but I'm super excited we got to it today, so this is the last step, so yay!"

Ampemdarko attended the ceremony with her parents, Gabriella and William, who said they were happy to be a part of the occasion.

"It confirms what I learned in school so many years ago that America is a melting pot, because within this room you can find, I have already talked to about 20 nationalities, and I believe we are more than 20 nationalities in this room, and I think the greatness of America derives from the diversity that goes on within," said William. "We come with some vibes from Africa, others come with vibes from Europe, Asia, and their countries. So I believe that is what makes America great."

After the Oath, citizens heard from speakers, musicians, and were invited to a reception. The League of Women Voters of Tompkins County signed people up to vote, the county encouraged people to get free passport photos, and snacks were provided by the Ithaca Kiwanis Club.

"Our former president, Mimi Melegrito, was naturalized from the Philippines, and so she was always, she moved to the Carolinas recently, but we're continuing the tradition, and it's just so cool to come in and provide the refreshments," said Andy Hillman, the president of the Ithaca Kiwanis Club.

Tompkins County hosts three naturalization ceremonies each year, trying to make each one special.

"These are our favorite days of the year because we just get to celebrate everything that becoming a citizen means to these folks, and they've had a long road to get here, so we're just here to celebrate them," said Rachel Graham, the executive deputy county clerk for Tompkins County.

After 10 years of being in the Ithaca area for school and work, Ampemdarko says she is glad to officially be a part of her community, take advantage of new opportunities, and participate in civic duties that come with being a United States citizen.

"I'm so glad America has opened its doors for everyone, and I hope we can all continue to live peacefully together like acknowledge that we all need each other, so we should all continue to be supportive, regardless of color, race, or ethnicity," said Ampemdarko. "Everybody has what they contribute to this nation, so it's great that we could all live in peace and acknowledge that. I think that's what makes this country special and unique."