Fifty-two new American citizens were sworn in during a noon ceremony Friday at the Ulster County Courthouse.

County officials call this a community event at which friends, family and elected representatives join in the celebration as the new citizens get all the rights and privileges most Americans have from birth. Ulster County Supreme Court Justice Christopher Cahill presided over the ceremony.

One newly naturalized citizen is 98 years old, and his daughter, who also took the oath, says it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

"I would encourage them to do that, because it's a privilege to become a citizen of America," said Kingston's Marie Adolphe. "I would encourage young and adult and old, just like my dad."

Adolphe says she and her father can't wait for her to cast her first vote in this year's election.