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Prairie Elementary celebrates a new U.S. citizen

"I'm different. But that doesn't matter because everyone that is human is the same."
Prairie Elementary celebrates a new U.S. citizen
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LAFAYETTE, La. — A special milestone was celebrated at Prairie Elementary as one student received his U.S. citizenship.

The school organized a surprise party for fifth-grader Ahmed Muthana, complete with cake, as students and faculty cheered him on.

KATC asked Ahmed how he felt about his new status.

"It makes me feel like everyone else, but in reality, I'm different. But that doesn't matter because everyone that is human is the same," he said.

Ahmed with his classmates

Ahmed's family also attended the celebration. Tareq, Ahmed's father, shared that he, his wife and Ahmed's brother have all received their U.S. citizenships and are thankful Ahmed has accomplished the same goal.

"We're American citizens now. Thank God. Thank you, United States, for giving my family American citizenship," Tareq said.

Ahmed with his father Tareq

Ahmed's family is originally from Yemen and Ahmed dreams of becoming a soccer player or a professional gamer.

Yemen on a map

Whatever his future holds, it will surely be bright.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people," Ahmed said.

The Muthana family told KATC they were happy to celebrate this achievement with Prairie Elementary.