Simon Helps (second from right) took the oath of citizenship Wednesday, July 3, in Memphis. The former Batesville resident came to the United States from England in the winter of 1998. He was a graphic artist for The Panolian and was largely responsible for bringing the youth soccer league to Batesville. The avid Manchester United soccer fan said he was looking forward to attending the Memphis 901 soccer match over the weekend and hearing the National Anthem for the first time as an American citizen. Helps is a branch manager at Resource MSG in Olive Branch. With him at the ceremony as his family (from left) son Wesley (16), father Frank, son Elliot (13), wife Amber, and his mother, Pat. His parents traveled from England to witness the administration of the citizenship oath. (Contributed)