Rockwall County celebrates new citizens, offers free citizenship classes

Rockwall County’s newest citizens left Saturday’s celebration with certificates and gifts, but the event also pointed to something more practical: free citizenship classes for adults who still need help with English, literacy or the naturalization exam.

Rockwall County Judge Frank New administered the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance at the April 18 New Citizens Celebration, giving the ceremony an official civic weight before New Citizen Certificates were presented to members of the community. The county posted notice of the celebration on April 20.

That welcome is tied directly to the Rockwall County Library Adult Literacy Center, which offers free U.S. citizenship preparation classes along with ESL, GED preparation and basic literacy classes. County materials say the program is open to adults 18 and older and runs in morning, afternoon and evening sessions. The classes are free, though there is a small book fee.

For spring 2026, the county lists citizenship classes on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Literacy Center, with that session starting Feb. 2, 2026. It also lists Tuesday evening citizenship classes from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Rockwall. The literacy center is at 1215 E. Yellowjacket Lane in Rockwall, and county materials say residents should check ahead to confirm class availability and the materials needed for the exam.

The county is also asking for help from volunteers. No teaching experience is required because free training is provided, and adults who want to tutor can contact literacy coordinator Nancy Goodsell at 972-204-7705. County volunteer information says residents interested in helping at the library can also call 972-204-7700 or ask at the circulation desk.

For Rockwall County, the message is larger than a ceremony. The county is building a local pipeline from naturalization to participation, with a public celebration, free instruction and volunteer support aimed at helping new citizens and their neighbors take the next step in civic life.