Armstrong Elementary School in Highland Park provided a real life history lesson this week, as students watched the parents of two classmates, become naturalized citizens of the United States. The parents are Dallas Stars Defenseman Darryl Sydor and his wife Sharlene. They have been living in the United States for 14 years, but it wasn't until now that they decided to become naturalized US citizens.
“No, I’m not nervous,” Sydor said. “I’m really excited. The kids are really excited too.”
The Sydor’s have three sons, but Branden and Parker are the twins who attend Armstrong Elementary. Their parents are both from Canada. She is from British Columbia. He is from Alberta.
“The President is not coming,” Sydor whispered to the youngest. “Our kids are American and I really think it makes our family all one now. I think that's what is really important to us, what a great country it is. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be able to do it.”
The ceremony, attended by about 300 students, provided a chance for them to understand the value and the meaning associated with the process of becoming American citizens.
Students applauded when the ceremony ended. Sydors’ father Bill, made the trip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I was surprised that he was doing this,” he said. “But I really appreciated that he did it. He becomes a dual citizen. It will be a lot easier for him to do things in this country and in Canada. He loves it down here, so I’m happy he did it.”
Sydor, who is 34, returned to Dallas this season after playing with the Stars for eight seasons, from 1995-2003. He helped lead the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999. Amoung the defenseman in Stars history, Sydor currently ranks third in both assists and points.
His wife was equally happy about their commitment to the United States. “It was very emotional, but it was wonderful,” she said. “I’m really excited that our family was here from Canada as well as our three kids. It was great.”
“It really grew into something that I thought was really special.” said Sydor. The kids had a great time with it, learning to understand what it is, and how you become US citizens.”
Now that Sydor is an American Citizen, we gave him an American Pronunciation test, starting with the name of Stars Center Mike Modano. “Moo-dan-oh,” Sydor said in his Canadian accent. I thought it was Modano! Sydor responded, “do I have to change.”
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