Petra Morgan passed her citizenship test. Let us introduce you to a Colquitt citizen of almost 12 years, who is also the very newest official, certified United States citizen of Colquitt to date.

Petra Morgan, 44, officially became a U.S. citizen on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at 3:30. She was sworn in as a naturalized citizen of the United States of America in Atlanta at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This marks the end of a seven year process for Mrs. Morgan. She had much financial support as well as encouragement of friends to help her get her citizenship papers.

Petra worked in Augsburg, Germany, as a dental assistant before she left that country.

Petra and her son, Marcel Mueller, now 15, and William Stevenson, now 11, left Germany to fly to the United States on June 29, 1998, to be with her husband, Willie Stevenson, whom she had married in Germany on August 23, 1996. That marriage did not last.

Petra and Glover Morgan were married on August 3, 2000. From that marriage came Justin, 7, and Jennifer, 5.

Petra could not speak much English when she got here, but self-taught herself the language over the years.

Petra is a member of the Colquitt United Methodist Church, and it has walked with her through this process of becoming a U.S. Citizen. On Sunday, March 7, the entire church congregation celebrated her accomplishment with a luncheon in her honor following the morning church service.

"It was a great celebration!" said the Rev. David Thompson. "Petra has worked very hard and studied equally hard and passed the test!"

Petra works for the Miller County Board of Education in the cafeteria at the new schools. She loves her job, loves her church, and loves her family. She should be very proud of herself.

Everyone should have to take the test taken by all naturalized citizens. It's not as simple as one might think. I venture that a lot of Miller County residents would fail the test. If you'd like to try the test, you can print the questions out from http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/blinstst_new.htm

Congratulations, Petra, our newest U.S. citizen and longtime Colquitt resident.